Did You Know?
Ohio is ranked #1 in the nation for deaths due to opioids.
More people are dying from drug overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes. (Source: Ohio BWC)
How can you address the opioid crisis?
The opioid crisis we are facing is worsening. More than 2 million Americans abuse opioids, and in 2016 alone, over 42,000 Americans died of an opioid overdose. That’s 42,000 lives that could have been saved. 42,000 friends, family members and coworkers. 42,000 lives that matter.
We are here to raise awareness on the rising opioid epidemic our country is facing, as well as our very own communities here in the Van Wert, Paulding and surrounding counties. Our goal is to increase awareness of the dangers of opioids, reduce the number of individuals using these drugs inappropriately, and most importantly, let those who have been directly or indirectly affected know that they are not alone. They have not only a team of local professionals available to help them, but a community of supporters.
Opioids are highly addictive. Using an opioid for just five days increases the chances that a person will use the drug long term. These drugs have the power to make your mind and body believe they are necessary for your survival and well-being. Many who become addicted to opioids, don’t even realize it’s happening.
Do you find yourself continuously looking to relieve or manage pain?
Do you feel like you need to achieve a greater well-being through medication?
This, and more, can lead to a dependency on opioids and prescription drugs. What many people don’t realize is that even the most minor use of prescription opioids, such as recovering from surgery, can often lead to opioid misuse.
In 2016, 2.5 million young adults reported misusing an opioid (ie: OxyContin® and Vicodin®). Many are unaware of the addictiveness these drugs bring, and in turn, we have created a national opioid epidemic that has devastating consequences for our country and our people.
If you believe you, or someone you know, is in danger of misusing prescription drugs, please contact us here.
Considering taking opioids, prescribed by your doctor? Here are 12 questions to ask beforehand.
- Opioid painkillers like Vicodin® and Oxycontin® are chemically similar to heroin.
- 80% of heroin users started with a prescription painkiller.
- In 2012, every 25 minutes, a baby was born suffering from opioid withdrawal.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know when someone is struggling. It could be your parents. Your siblings. Your friends. Your Coworkers. Your Teachers. Members of Your Church. This epidemic has the ability and the strength to affect anyone.
Signs of opioid abuse aren’t always easy to spot – in someone you love and care about.
Signs of Opioid Addiction:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Mood swings
- Poor decision making
- Regularly taking an opioid in a way not intended by the doctor who prescribed it.
To view the full list of opioid addiction signs and triggers, click here.
- Adolescent athletes in some high-injury sports are at a 50% higher risk of misusing prescription painkillers than their peers who don’t participate in these sports.
- 63% of Ohioans who died from unintentional overdose had a prescription for a controlled substance in the past year. (Source: Take Charge Ohio)
- 1,756 teens will abuse a prescription drug for the first time each day.
Help Identify the Solutions
The opioid crisis is a disease that deserves treatment, understanding and support from everyone it affects. Including you.
Westwood, as a team and through the H.I.T.S. Campaign, is here to:
- Improve processes and access to treatment and recovery services
- Educate our community and Americans so that they can better understand the epidemic
- Provide support for those who are struggling or know someone struggling
You can help, too.
- Ask questions
- Be on the lookout
- Talk to local prescribers
- Encourage safe disposal
- Don’t share medication
- Educate and inform others
Being educated on recognizing the struggles, signs and solutions to the rising opioid epidemic could mean the difference between life and death. As community members, you have the opportunity to help save a friend, sibling, parent, coworker, friend and yes, even your own children or grandchildren.
Take charge and get involved.
Want to know how you can get involved and put an end to this devastating crisis? Click here.
Facts: Outline in square boxes, something similar to: https://opioids.thetruth.com/o/the-facts/all
- Heroin-related overdose deaths increased 5x from 2010 to 2017.
- On average, more than 90 Americans die by opioid overdose every day.
- Prescription drugs are one of the most commonly abused drugs among 12-13 year olds.
How can you get local support?
As the death toll from opioid overdose increases, be a part of the solution, not the problem.
Whether you are directly affected by the use of opioids, know someone who has been affected, or want to help raise awareness to the opioid epidemic, we are here to help. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate intervention, please call 800-567-4673 or text 4HOPE to 741741.
We have a team of licensed professionals who are here and ready to help.