The New York Times has done a story about the "Perfect Storm" in New Hampshire fueling an Opioid Crisis on January 21, 2018. The New York Times also did a personal story about a NH family from Pembroke and how they are dealing with addiction to pain killers, heroin and fentanyl.
It is a real heart breaker to have people's lives ruined by an overdose death. 1 Son, 4 Overdoes, 6 Hours is another New York Times story pointing out the turmoil and trouble addicts cause in a family. The emotional, physical and economic impact is impossible to assess both individually and as a society. Patrick and his family will have the rest of their lives to try to piece together a future and he is lucky to have parents and supports to help in recovery.
It is important to know that without services and treatment addiction is virtually impossible to overcome. We as parents, citizens and people need to help each other to prevent losing more people to addiction.
As a defense lawyer who works with people charged with possession and intent to distribute drugs it is clear to me that incarceration is a failed policy. Coos County has recently indicated that they will be starting a Drug Court with the hope of diversion from incarceration. The only possible way out of addiction is treatment, family and community support. The most successful addicts are the ones who have learned that they are valued and important.
I urge everyone who can to support increased spending on counseling, treatment and education programs. You can also help by donating financial support to local charities or working with groups like the North Country Health Consortium. If you or a family member are struggling with addiction in Coos or Northerrn Grafton County get help go to meetings, call to get up counseling and get treatment.
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