Opinion

How you can help stop opiate abuse

Posted March 10, 2014 4:01 am

The ongoing opiate epidemic is destroying our community. Please take a look at the list below for steps you can take to be a part of the solution to this devastating problem.

• Learn about the treatments: there are new medical treatments that are revolutionizing the treatment of opiate dependence.

• Contact your representatives. Urgent funding is needed for treatment facilities and educational programs.

• Contact the media (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, the newspaper, school papers, your local television station).

• Contact the schools. Put on a presentation in the classroom.

• Examine your own views regarding chemical dependence.

• Turn in unused medications to a pharmacy or your local police. Get rid of them!

• Check your medicine cabinet - it may not just be family members stealing pills, guests might steal from your cabinet. (This is the leading source of new opiate abuse.)

• Educate your doctor. How many pills/refills are really necessary?

• Donate your time, talent and/or treasure to a treatment center or community-based organization.

If nothing else, please say a prayer for those struggling with this problem and the families of those who have died.

David Tews, Ed.D., LCPC, CADC

Naperville

Article Comments

Article Categories
Communities Letters to the Editor Naperville Opinion

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.