Reduce Drug Overdose Deaths with this Conversation

Not long ago a friend lost a family member to a drug overdose. The tragedy, which happens way too often these days, reminded me of something that I wrote a while back. I decided to create it at the length called for  on the Op-Ed section of my local newspaper, and to submit it. My title was “A conversation that could reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths…” which of course was far too long.  They shortened it to “Opioid conversation can prevent deaths.”

Some people familiar with the issue have suggested that I should publish it as a blog. As I’m not too sure of where the copyright lies, I am instead posting a link to the piece. It concerns a conversation that is very rarely to be heard in addiction treatment facilities (and I explain why). I must add that another reason to the reason mentioned in the piece is that most people assume that knowledge about drug tolerance and its place in the world of overdoses is common sense. The truth is, though, that in the horror of drug craving, common sense rarely gets a chance to speak.

If you know anyone involved in drug use, and most importantly if you know anyone in recovery, please read this article that I wrote for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. Just click on the link below.

(Sorry about the ads, I have no control over the newspaper website.)

Opioid conversation can prevent deaths