The opioid epidemic is a global health crisis that has impacted countless individuals and communities. The use of various opioids as a way to manage pain has been on the increase since the 1990’s. Now we are beginning to see the long term effects of these drugs. The trend is leading to devastating consequences such as skyrocketing overdose rates, staggering addiction rates among populations, plus overwhelming strain on healthcare systems. A comprehensive response from governments, medical providers and community groups alike is urgently needed in order to effectively address this multifaceted issue.
According to provisional data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 109,000 people died of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending March 2022. That is almost 300 people a day. The latest figure is up 44% from two years ago, when the reported overdose deaths were 76,000 in the 12-month period ending in March 2020.
Geno and Jess Shvedov’s interview on Hazelbrook’s Solution to Helping Those Impacted by the Opioid Crisis
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a classification of drugs derived from, or synthesized to mimic, Opium. For many years, Morphine, a natural Opioid found in Opium, was used to relieve pain. The pharmaceutical companies found ways to synthetically replicate the effects of Morphine. Methadone, a common Opioid, was developed due to a scarcity of Morphine. Others, like Heroin, were created as an attempt to create a less addictive drug. Today, Opioids are almost synonymous with pain relief.
Examples of common Opioids include:
- Codeine
- Demerol
- Dilaudid
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Tramadol
The Impact of the Opioid Settlement in Colorado
Now that many large pharmacy chains and pharmaceutical companies are paying settlements, the state of Colorado is receiving millions of dollars to provide more drug treatment, recovery programs, education, and prevention efforts.
Hazelbrook’s Transitional Safety Zone Program is Already Having an Impact
Hazelbrook Community Center is on the forefront of addiction recovery in Colorado by the development of the TSZ Program as well as the many classes they offer at the center.
The TSZ Program is a place for individuals to come and start their recovery journey while still in the process of detoxing. The Community Center offers a variety of life skills, fitness, and other personal development and recovery classes. This offers individuals in recovery FREE resources and a place to build a supporting and loving community to walk the road of recovery.
Hazelbrook also has over 24 sober living homes throughout Aurora, Denver, Lakewood, Colorado Springs, and soon to be in Pueblo. These drug and alcohol free homes are an integral part of the recovery plan for individuals building a new sober lifestyle.
Be a part of the Hazelbrook team as we move forward on our mission to fight addiction – by helping the individual, impacting the community, and working with government officials to make the necessary law changes to help people win this battle!
