Connecticut Making Strides in Fighting Opioid Addiction

On the heels of International Overdose Day (August 31), Connecticut continues the battle against opioid addiction.

Not only are the tragic results of addiction prevalent in Connecticut, but we know them to be world wide. So much so, that a day of remembrance and education was created back in 2001. For information, go to the website for International Overdose Day.

Governor Malloy announced via press release yesterday on CT.gov, that the  state Department of Public Health has distributed more than 9,000 kits containing naloxone, which is also known by the brand name Narcan. Malloy stated in the release:

Families across the nation, from small towns to big cities, have been impacted by addiction.  We must do everything we can to save lives.  Overdoses are preventable, and we at the state level are acting every way we can. We continue to focus on informing opioid prescribing practices, increasing the use of naloxone, and using medication-assisted treatment to move people into healthy, addiction-free lifestyles.  This is an issue that affects many families, and we must continue to act.

To aid in assistance, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has a alphabetical listing by towns across our state of Substance Abuse Walk - In Assessment Centers, as well as supplying a toll - free number 1-800 - 563 - 4086  to help connect people in our state seeking treatment services for an opioid addiction.

While August 31 is the day chosen as the day of awareness, every day is a day to be vigilant against the horribleness of addiction. There are resources and more to be found at overdoseday.com