Usually when we talk about the opioid epidemic, we talk about the grimmest statistics – the overdose deaths. It’s hard not to when this disease claimed nearly 108,000 lives in this country last year. We talk about the lives lost and the families destroyed.
While we won’t forget about those lost, we also need to remember those who are here, working on their recovery every day.
During Recovery Month, I spent time visiting all the peer recovery resource centers in our county, speaking to those in recovery, recognizing their success, and truly appreciating the hope they give to those suffering.
We want to focus on those in all stages of recovery. And it is truly cause for celebration.
Here’s a statistic you don’t hear too often when we’re talking about addiction: 75% of those with substance use disorder achieve recovery. Recovery is not just possible, but it’s common.
That’s a huge majority of people who are successfully overcoming the disease of addiction. We should be celebrating success more and stigmatizing less.
When I hear that 75% number, I’m given hope.
Recovery begins with hope. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Addiction is a community problem and requires a community solution. It is up to all of us to share successes, for those in recovery to tell their stories, and to help remove the stigma around addiction.
Stigma prevents those suffering from the disease of addiction from getting the help and treatment they need and deserve. Stigma also prevents those in recovery from living their lives to the fullest. Those in recovery often face stigma while seeking employment and housing. It’s not right.
No person should be defined only by their disease. It’s not who they really are. Also, if we want people to get better, we must help them achieve the sense of stability and purpose a good job and permanent home provides.
Building a community where people are embraced, respected, and supported by their peers gives us all hope.
Through that vision of hope, we can see an end to the scourge of addiction.
Joseph D. Early Jr.
Worcester County District Attorney
