Much has happened over the past couple of weeks since I wrote “The Ultimate High.”
It is awesome being back here with all of you again. I am happy to announce that I recently celebrated 3 years of complete sobriety! This is the longest period of sobriety I have had since I found recovery 7 years ago. I can’t fully explain how awesome it feels to be here today alive and well. Being in long-term recovery has given me back everything that I once lost and so much more. Because of my recovery, I have been able to experience some amazing things and I want to share some of that with you today.
Douglas Darby, my best friend and co-founder of Rise Together, and I recently flew out to Boston to attend Community Catalyst’s Preventing Youth Addiction Learning Tour, which I can’t wait to tell you more about in the next article!
Upon our return, we were invited by Wisconsin State Representative, John Nygren, and Governor Scott Walker to attend the Hope Agenda bill signing. It was truly an unbelievable experience. I am so humbled that I was able to witness history in the making.
The bill itself is a great effort to combat the heroin and opiate epidemic we are facing in Wisconsin. I believe it is crucial to share this information with you because ultimately, in the end, I believe this conversation is one that will help save lives during such a great time of need.
Drug overdose deaths, driven largely by prescription drug overdoses, are now the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. – surpassing motor vehicle crashes and even gun homicides. Curving this public health issue is a top priority, not only here in Wisconsin, but all across the nation.
Attending last week’s bill signing is a prime example of that priority taking place. This new law, who is sponsored by Rep. Nygren, which helps to expand access to the lifesaving antagonists called Narcan, also known as naloxone, by offering the drug for purchase from Wisconsin pharmacies without a prescription. By no means is this the end-all to this drug epidemic but it is part of the solution. Even though, there is talk about whether or not the use of Narcan will encourage users to increase the amount of opioids being consumed without worry of overdose, at this point it’s all about saving lives; period.
Governor Walker, Rep. Nygren, and myself were interviewed the day of the signing. Check it out here: Video
Narcan ultimately helps stop effects of an overdose for a period of time. That time may be enough to get the person who is suffering to the proper amount of care they need. This also offers a great opportunity to refer that person to treatment and show support for long-term recovery. This not only helps to save that person who is experiencing a potentially fatal overdose but also helps support the families that could have ultimately suffered from losing their loved one to their addiction. So in essence this law is not only helping to support the thousands upon thousands of people suffering with this disease but also the millions that are being impacted by addiction.
Helping to pass life-saving reforms like 911 Good Samaritan laws and over the counter access to naloxone is a highly effective approach to curving this public health concern. Please, take some time to contact your local representatives and ask them what they are doing to support this effort – to save lives. Let your voice be heard!
To learn more about these efforts check out the HOPE Agenda
Please send in your comments and share. I would love to hear some feedback on this effort.
Have an awesome week!
I am so glad people are talking about this epidemic and finally doing something about it.my son is 26 and is recovery from opiate addiction.this is his second go round at recovery I hope he takes his sobriety seriously this time. I pray to god he is free of these demons once and for all.I know its a lifelong struggle, and one day at a time. I hope people wake up and see it can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you are from, or what age or gender. I thank you for all you are doing.
Thanks
Mrs. Faraone.