'Taking too many lives.' Overdose deaths continue to spike in Stark County

Stark County has received both good news and bad news as we continue to struggle in this epic battle against the harrowing opioid epidemic.

Overdose deaths in Ohio decreased 5% in 2022, but still remain at a staggering number of 4,915 lives, which follows the state record of 5,174 deaths the year before.

Sadly, the number of overdose deaths in Stark County rose 11%, which exceeds the national increase of 1%. We lost 159 members of our community due to this deplorable crisis, leaving so many families heartbroken.

The United States has the highest rate of opioid deaths in the world and these statistics are a grim reminder that we all need to stop and take a serious look and ask why so many lives are being destroyed and what we can do.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, continues to be our most devastating foe. I often say, it’s the “devil on earth.” It is responsible for 81% of unintentional drug overdoses.

Illicit fentanyl appears to be the driving force in terms of the increase in fatalities. Unfortunately, in our courtrooms over the past year, judges have witnessed a large increase in the volume of fentanyl poisoning our community — fentanyl which is being shipped in from China and Mexico.

Even scarier is that fentanyl is being mixed with heroin, methamphetamines and even cocaine before being offered for sale. Many users have no idea fentanyl has been laced with their drug of choice.

Now, for the first time, we are seeing cases where xylazine, pegged, “the zombie drug,” is being trafficked. In reality, it’s a horse tranquilizer, which can make a user’s body literally crumble, leading to gruesome, lingering sores that can result in the amputation of body limbs or even death.

Opioid deaths: Overdose deaths drop in Ohio, but increase in Stark County. Why?

One of the primary ways to save lives is very simple — get naloxone (Narcan) in people’s hands. Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose and prevent death. This antidote medication can take someone who has overdosed from near death to walking and talking in a matter of minutes.

The more we expand distribution of this lifesaver to family, friends and others through pharmacies, hospitals, health departments and community programs, the better prepared we are to save lives. In fact, overdose deaths dropped 14% in states that enacted laws to make naloxone more accessible.

We must overlook any possible stigma attached to families who are grappling with this problem. We know addiction is a disease. It’s essential to be supportive and encourage those in need to seek services.

Let’s be honest, this epidemic is affecting everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re wealthy, middle class, or lower income — it’s taking too many lives.

Not all users are bad people. Many actually got hooked on these drugs as the result of an automobile crash, sports injury, or a work-related accident.

Along with that, it’s critical to understand that education is also one of our best tools. Whether it’s provided through schools, churches, medical and social professions, or even the courts, this information will help others understand substance abuse disorders, struggles, relapses and recovery.

Fentanyl-related teen deaths (14-18) have tripled the last three years. It’s important to talk to our youth about what opioids are, why they are dangerous, what to do if you’re prescribed them, and the harm that can be caused by taking other people’s prescriptions.

Lastly, treatment may be the most successful step to take on the road to recovery. Stark County is very fortunate to have so many effective treatment facilities and beds available 24/7. The excuse of “I couldn’t get help” is no longer valid.

Often, medication and counseling can combine into a plan that meets a particular need. In some cases, a long-term lockdown facility that encompasses these options is the most successful method, especially for those individuals who have not been able to complete treatment in the past or who have had relapses. That prevents them from simply walking away and falling back into their previous deadly lifestyle.

The opioid crisis is the challenge of our lifetime. Although the numbers in Ohio are headed in the right direction, there’s still no cause for celebration. Think about it — we lost over 110,000 of our fellow Americans in 2022 from unintentional drug overdoses.

Hopefully our community will be receiving new funding from the opioid legal settlement to prevent and reduce overdoses and support those struggling with addiction.

In the meantime, on Feb. 22, the Stop Heroin From Killing Committee will be hosting its ninth annual Opioid Symposium at the Malone University Johnson Center from 6 to 8 p.m. It is free to the public. It’s a great opportunity to gain knowledge and hear powerful speakers providing vital information regarding addiction, treatment options, and the road to recovery.

You never know, just by listening you may save the life of a friend or family member … or even your own.

Frank Forchione is a Stark County Common Pleas Court judge and chairman of the Stop Heroin From Killing Committee.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Judge Frank Forchione: Overdose deaths continue to spike in Stark