According to drugabuse.gov, in 2016, there were 343 opioid-related overdose deaths in Alabama—a rate of 7.5 deaths per 100,000 people—nearly half the national rate of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people. The number of deaths related to opioids included 157 related to synthetic opioids (mainly fentanyl), 126 attributed to heroin, and 124 related to prescription opioids.
If you or someone you know needs help with opioid addiction, here are a few resources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP(4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs, including alcohol. The core of the NA program is the Twelve Steps. These “steps” are a set of guiding principles outlining a practical approach to recovery from the disease of addiction. By following these guidelines and working closely with other members, addicts learn to stop using drugs and face the challenges of daily living.
Local Resources
Lovelady Center
The Lovelady Center is a nine- to 12-month intensive faith-based program that ministers to women and their children. The state certified 60-bed rehabilitation center also offers counseling and transitional housing.
https://www.loveladycenter.org/portal/
UAB Beacon Recovery
Beacon Recovery offers Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient substance abuse treatment for adults and adolescents ages 13–18. The clinical team is comprised of licensed and certified counselors with expertise in addiction and recovery, trauma, grief, relationships and family dynamics. Services include assessment, group and individual counseling, mental health evaluation and treatment, linkage to community resources, recovery support as well as family therapy and education.
https://www.uabmedicine.org/beaconrecovery
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
