WE'RE ALL ON FRONT LINE IN DRUG WAR

The overdose death of the 22 year-old West Gloucester resident is a
tragic story.

It is a life lost, a family grieving a young man who was trying to
turn his life around, and a community with a strong history of caring
for the health and well-being of all its members. In Massachusetts,
unintentional opiate overdoses are the leading cause of accidental
deaths, surpassing motor vehicle deaths.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has declared deaths
resulting from unintentional opiate overdoses a major public health
issue in the state and is leading the way for others across the
country in the effort to save lives.

A one-dimensional solution to this problem is not the answer.
Apprehending and prosecuting all those who engage in the sale of
heroin and other drugs is a critical goal "" but cannot be the only
goal. As long as there is "demand" on the street there will be those
who will sell.

Police recognize the enforcement of drug laws as an important vehicle
to bring addicts into the criminal justice system for purposes of
rehabilitation and, if necessary, incarceration as a means to end
opiate abuse.

In this time of bursting prisons, budget cuts, and individual and
community economic stress, the answer lies in collaborative solutions
that stretch the dollar, use local expertise and are inclusive. While
drug abuse is a national problem, the solutions are unique within each
community. What is common to all however, is the knowledge that the
"Drug War" can only be won when "demand" for drugs is drastically reduced.

Law enforcement knows its best partner is prevention, and the strong
partnership of the Gloucester Police Department and the Gloucester
Health Department has created a multi-pronged approach implemented
through the Healthy Gloucester Collaborative coalition that comprises
physicians, treatment providers, pharmacists, educators, service
agencies and community members dedicated to a continuum of prevention
from efforts to stop "first use" to increasing treatment opportunities
and preventing unintentional overdose deaths for those in need.

Misusing prescription drugs is a major factor that can ultimately lead
to heroin use. The shame and stigma that comes with addiction inhibit
many who are addicted and their loved ones from seeking help. Resource
limitations and relapses further complicate the road back from addiction.

We all need to be on the frontline to prevent opiate addiction and
overdose. In June, approximately 200 direct service agency personnel,
law enforcement and first responders were given training to recognize
the symptoms of an overdose, how to respond and to relay that
information to clients and families. This is just one part of an
on-going and intense community-wide effort to stem the tide of drug
abuse and increase the comfort of those in need to ask for help.

To support the community, training on prescription drug misuse and
overdose prevention is available to all residents of Gloucester.