Join coalition to fight drugs

To the editor:
I am writing to encourage increased understanding of addiction and how it impacts individuals in our communities.
There is a wealth of research available to educate on the dangers of substance use and the risk of addiction, yet we continue to have an epidemic impacting our society. There are many issues that may be factors that contribute to this chronic health issue.
Those who have experienced addiction face many challenges which often include withdrawal, changes in brain functioning, poverty, isolation and judgment from society. Many individuals who become addicted to substances have experienced trauma in their lives and/or struggle with mental illness. As a result, they often turn to substances to cope with these issues.
As a community, there are things that we can do to address this issue.
The first is to educate ourselves and our families about the facts regarding addiction. It is a chronic relapsing condition and if we don’t recognize it as such we are setting these individuals up for failure.
Secondly, caring and compassion goes a long way in supporting those in recovery. It may not solve the problem, but research has shown that having supportive people and positive activities in our lives can significantly impact the recovery process.
Finally, being aware of resources available in our community to assist those who struggle with addiction and other mental illness is vital in efforts to link those who need support with those who can offer it.
In our community, there are several supports available for those with addiction and/or mental illness including: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, A Better Life - Brianna’s Hope, Meridian Health Services, Jay County Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health and Youth Service Bureau.
I am often asked about the success rate for programs such as these. Unfortunately, there is not a consistent tool or records to indicate how “successful” they are.
However, I do feel that we need to define success. Is it total abstinence? Is it days sober? Is it lives not lost to overdose deaths? Is it decrease in criminal behaviors/activity? Is it safe and stable homes?
I believe that it can be any and all of those things. It is also my opinion that if someone has 90 days sober and they relapse, it was still 90 days. In that time, there were successes.
In addition, a relapse is not a failure and recovery is not a linear process. There are many times we all find ourselves repeating habits and falling into old behaviors. It is that knowledge and awareness that can help us see these lapses before we find ourselves in a situation that is out of control. It is these skills and the supports that we find that help us on the road to recovery and achieving our goals.
The Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition is a group of community members who meet regularly to discuss these issues and works to develop a plan to address the impact of substance abuse on our community. Anyone is welcome to attend. The meetings are the fourth Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at East Jay Middle School.
Thank you for your time and support in this mission.
Jennifer VanSkyock
Outpatient therapist
Jay County Hospital