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Re: Imagine your story Re: Claim your destiny Re: Write your narrative Re: Search how to get healthy Re: Double our support Re: Commit to community
Chances are, you know someone who is dependent on substances, whether that’s opioids, alcohol or something else.
Let’s face it: We can do more to address addiction in Douglas County
Substance misuse affects the whole community. That's why we need to come together to support our loved ones, friends and neighbors.
FACT:
In 2024, 38 people died of unintentional overdoses in Douglas County. Another 40 died from alcohol.
For many, substance misuse may not be fatal in the near term, but it still can harm families, careers, health, and quality of life.
FACT:
Addiction doesn’t discriminate.
It can touch anyone, regardless of age, gender, income, race, or religion. No zip code or neighborhood is immune.
FACT:
Fentanyl has raised the stakes.
An ultra-potent opioid often mixed into counterfeit pills or party drugs like cocaine or MDMA/molly, fentanyl increases the risk of unintentional overdoses. The DEA says half of fake pills have potentially lethal fentanyl doses.
Here’s What We Can Do
Recovery often starts with open and candid discussions. When we put aside shame and blame and lead with compassion, we can start down the road to recovery.
People can and do recover, living long, healthy, productive and rewarding lives.
Evidence-based treatment works. Local recovery providers are vital parts of the solution. These caring people offer support without judgment. Many are themselves in recovery.
Our local public safety community, including law enforcement and first responders, are committed to being part of the solution.
Effective treatment for opioid use disorder requires preventing overdoses. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Naloxone, known by the brand name Narcan, may quickly reverse opioid overdoses. Keep it handy like a fire extinguisher.
When people are isolated by stigma, they are more likely to use drugs alone; with no one around to help them, they become more vulnerable to a fatal overdose.
Recovery may require more than just willpower. Medication can help with opioid cravings and withdrawal, as do different forms of therapy.
Setbacks can be part of the journey. Recovery is hard, but possible. And getting your life back is worth the work.
Everyone can live free from addiction.
We all have a positive role to play.
The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is available for free, immediate, human support 24/7.
Douglas County Mental Health resources provides local behavioral health and substance misuse treatment/recovery information.
Tips for how to use naloxone shows you how you help save someone’s life.