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Katie Britt on Drugs |
Our state experienced 980 drug overdose deaths in 2020, an increase of about 27% from 2019. The opioid epidemic is the primary driver of overdoses in Alabama.˙Nearly half˙of the 775 reported drug overdose deaths in Alabama involved opioids in 2018. Alabama has the highest such rate in the United States at almost twofold greater than the national average.
As we continue to combat this crisis, part of the effort must include holding bad actors responsible for their roles in creating this noxious problem. We must also emphasize that there is no shame in getting help for substance abuse disorders or addiction, as the ongoing anti-stigma campaign "Stop Judging, Start Healing" does.
It is time for Alabama to recommit ourselves to fighting the epidemic of opioids and other lethal drugs.