CONNECTICUT, USA — This Saturday, the state of Connecticut will commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, an event that occurs annually on Aug. 31.
As the day approaches, Gov. Ned Lamont and other top Connecticut officials issued a release reaffirming their commitment to providing residents with addiction resources meant to facilitate recovery. The overdose crisis is negatively impacting communities across the United States, but there is hope locally that addiction can be curbed with proper treatment.
“Addiction is an illness that should be treated just as any other public health emergency, and we must be able to discuss it openly and without fear of judgement,” Lamont said, according to the state. “This illness can impact anyone from any neighborhood, any socioeconomic background, any race and nationality, any education level and any age.”
Lamont delivered a message that the disorder can no longer “hide in the shadows,” stating that it must be discussed.
Resources are available for individuals who are seeking treatment and for families and loved ones who want to provide support to their friends in need.
“Discussing this issue openly and honestly is what can save lives and prevent addiction altogether,” Lamont said.
Connecticut officials note that International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized around the world. It provides communities an opportunity to remember, without stigma, those who have passed away while acknowledging the grief felt by loved ones left behind.
In Connecticut, many resources are dedicated to fighting the crisis. The state hopes to prevent, discourage and destigmatize opioid addiction.
In 2019, the state launched the LiveLOUD campaign through its Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The campaign features a series of social media, radio, transit and billboard advertisements directed to people who are actively using fentanyl, heroin or prescription opioids, as well as their loved ones.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz believes that Connecticut is committed to combatting the impacts of the opioid epidemic by standing together and providing support to all who are affected.
“A person living with a substance use disorder may feel alone, forgotten and helpless – and likewise, a loved one trying to recover from losing someone to their battle with addiction may feel alone, forgotten and helpless in their grief. But you are not alone, we have not forgotten you, and help is available,” Bysiewicz said, according to the state.
People struggling with opioid use disorder and their friends can get connected with support and treatment options. Learn how to become a LiveLOUD partner and help spread awareness by clicking here.
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Anyone seeking treatment for addition can click here or call 1-800-563-4086 – a 24/7 hotline – to connect with nearby services throughout the state.
According to the state, Atty. Gen. William Tong will spend International Overdose Awareness Day thinking of the thousands of Connecticut families who have lost children, parents and loved ones to opioid addiction as well as state residents who are fighting to recover and rid themselves of the burden of addiction.
“Connecticut has led efforts to take on the worst players in the addiction industry, securing more than $50 billion nationwide to combat the opioid epidemic, including $600 million for Connecticut alone,” Tong said, according to the state. “With the money to support treatment, prevention and recovery services on its way to hard hit communities, the day is coming closer when we can finally get everyone the help they deserve and put an end to the pain and suffering caused by this epidemic.”
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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