From Addiction to Recovery: The Triumph Over Fentanyl in America
Karla first tried fentanyl as a troubled 18-year-old in North Carolina. I felt like literally amazing. The voices in my head just completely went silent. I got instantly addicted, she recalls.
The deadly trade of fentanyl has gripped America, leading to over 110,000 drug-related deaths in 2023. However, North Carolina is at the forefront of a significant turnaround, seeing a reduction in overdose fatalities by around 35%.
Harm reduction policies, which prioritize health over criminalization, have played a crucial role in this shift. Kayla is now a part of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program that helps individuals like her find recovery and stability.
Lt. Jamaal Littlejohn, who oversees the LEAD, explains that this program looks to tackle the underlying issues of addiction while still addressing criminal activity without punishing those struggling with substance use disorder.
Kayla's experience reflects this broader transition in North Carolina as she is no longer on drugs and is now working as a certified nurse assistant.
It's like the best thing ever. This is the longest time I've been clean, she expresses, crediting her recovery to comprehensive treatment plans that involve medication-assisted approaches.
The use of naloxone as a life-saving drug is another crucial factor. In 2024 alone, it was administered over 16,000 times in North Carolina, an indication of the impact this drug has had on saving lives.
As the country moves forward in its battle against the opioid crisis, awareness and innovative treatment models are vital in reducing fatalities and supporting recovery efforts. Kayla, along with many others, represents hope amid the ongoing challenges posed by substances like fentanyl.
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