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For some students in Alameda County, the opioid crisis could appear completely unrelated to their lives, while others suffer daily from the effects of the crisis.
Drug problems are often associated with big cities like Oakland and Los Angeles, but the crisis extends to smaller communities – like the ones in Alameda County.
The Alameda County Public Health Department reports that opioid-related overdoses are still a major issue in the county.
Opioid overdoses occur in Alameda County communities such as Berkely, Hayward and San Leandro. Fentanyl, a synthetic drug, has been the leading cause of overdose deaths.
Opioids are drugs that connect to the brain and nervous system to reduce pain, and according to the American Addiction Centers, fentanyl is very potent, much stronger than heroin, making overdoses much more likely.
Counterfeit pills, made to look like real prescription medicine, are sometimes laced with fentanyl. These counterfeits are often distributed via the internet or social media platforms. Whether aware or not, teenagers are especially susceptible to these laced pills.
Some people believe that drug addiction exists only among homeless individuals while actual overdoses often happen in private settings.
Prescription opioids are often obtained in homes instead of on street corners, according to Alameda County’s Behavioral Health Care Services.
The wide lack of awareness is also a problem. Families and students underestimate the severity of the issue and avoid discussion of the issue. Many in typical Bay Area suburbs may not feel as free as to talk about drug use. It’s a culture of cold silence and frigid avoidance of, and around, the topic.
Much like with most things, however, avoiding the conversation does not solve the issue at hand, but rather only makes it harder to address.
It’s important to raise awareness in all communities by encouraging education, open conversations and mental health counseling.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
