Detroit Task Force Formed to Battle Opioid Epidemic

Homicides in the city of Detroit are often the lead story on the local evening news, but they’re no longer the problem they once were. Homicides reached their lowest level in more than 50 years in the city. Unfortunately, a new killer with the potential to create far more destruction is on the rise: opioid addiction.Last year in the city of Detroit, more people died from opioid overdoses (388) than homicides (276). To battle the growing crisis, the city of Detroit has created a task force called the Heroin/Opioid Response Group. Watch the video below to learn more.[embed]https://youtu.be/VUAwg-umSII[/embed]The opioid epidemic extends far beyond the city of Detroit; there were more than 1,700 opioid-related deaths statewide in 2017.A recent Detroit News article spells out the Heroin/Opioid Response Group’s plans to stem the opioid crisis: drug dealers and doctors who illegally prescribe drugs will be held responsible for the results of their actions.“In the past if someone died from an overdose, it was looked at as just an overdose,” Detroit interim U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider told the Detroit News. “Now, we’re going to look into where these drugs are coming from ... and charge the dealers with drug delivery causing death.”That’s an important step, but not one that supports the thousands of people in Metro Detroit who are currently battling opioid addiction. Contact Us to learn about the way we help individuals and families in the depths of addiction create long-term recoveries.