As Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) continue to pose a significant challenge in our communities, affecting individuals, families, and the broader social fabric, it’s natural to wonder where to even begin in tackling a problem so vast. The opioid crisis remains a persistent issue, and other harmful substances continue to infiltrate both youth and adult populations, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what can be done. However, there is hope on the horizon. The key to addressing any monumental problem is to break it down into manageable steps, approaching it one piece at a time. So, what are the steps to dismantling this crisis? Which bricks should we remove from the wall first? The solution begins with education.
Education: The First Step in Dismantling the Crisis
Education is the foundation upon which all successful prevention and intervention efforts are built. By educating ourselves and others about SUDs, we equip our communities with the knowledge to identify early warning signs, understand the risk factors, and recognize the importance of seeking help. Education demystifies the complexities of addiction, making it clear that SUDs are not a matter of choice or moral failing but a chronic health condition that requires comprehensive treatment and support.
Education is crucial in reducing the stigma surrounding treatment options. Alicia Stromme Tobin, Executive Director of SAFE Yakima, underscored this in a recent interview, where she shared her experience on a fentanyl panel. “I was shocked because one of the panelists, who had a son struggling with opioid use disorder and was on MOUDs, openly disapproved of Narcan and MOUDs,” she recounted. This panelist, like many others, held the dangerous misconception that Narcan was enabling drug use.
Alicia quickly addressed these misconceptions by presenting the science behind Narcan, revealing a startling discrepancy in reported statistics. In Yakima County, 96 overdose-related deaths were officially recorded in 2023. However, Alicia discovered that these figures only covered fatalities, not the total number of overdoses. Determined to uncover the full scope, she enlisted local first responders for help. One of them shared they manually tracked the total number of overdose calls they handled over a three-month period. The findings were eye-opening: “In 2023, Yakima County had approximately 6,000 overdoses. We had 96 deaths, which means 5,904 lives were saved by Narcan. And nobody knows that. We’re underestimating the problem by 6,200%,” Alicia revealed. By educating ourselves and others on the realities of SUDs and their treatment, we can change these harmful misconceptions and promote life-saving interventions.
Prevention: Building a Stronger Community
Once we have knowledge, we can move on to prevention. Prevention efforts are most effective when they are community-driven and focus on creating environments that reduce the likelihood of substance misuse. This involves early intervention strategies, providing resources to at-risk individuals, and promoting healthy lifestyles that discourage substance use.
Some might wonder why prevention should be prioritized – will it make a difference? Tobin explains the following example: “If I’m driving along the Yakima River Canyon and I see there are kids swimming in the water and it looks like they’re drowning, I would tell my husband to pull over and help me pull those kids out of the water. And if, lo and behold, a few more kids came down the river, I would look at my husband and say, ‘You stay here and help pull these kids out of the river. I need to find out where they’re falling in it.’ If I drive further upstream and I see a bridge with a hole in it where the kids are falling through, I would then want to plug the hole, right? We need to fix the hole. That doesn’t mean we forget and let the kids drown that are already in the river. But you need to plug the hole, and you will save more lives by doing that.”
Communities can take proactive measures by supporting programs that focus on educating young people about the dangers of substance use, like those offered through organizations like SAFE Yakima. Initiatives like National Night Out, which foster solid police-community relationships and promote awareness, also play a crucial role in preventing substance misuse before it starts.
One of SAFE Yakima’s most impactful programs is its mentoring initiative for at-risk youth aged 10 to 17. This program is unique in its approach, bridging the gap between school-based and community-based mentoring models. Tobin explains, “We target elevated-risk youth, identified through various sources, including schools, healthcare providers, and even parents. The program is voluntary, and we match these youth with responsible, caring adults who commit to spending four hours a month with them for nine months.”
“Evidence shows that youth who are mentored are 46% less likely to develop a long-term substance use disorder.”
Alicia Stromme Tobin, Executive Director of SAFE Yakima
The benefits of mentorship are profound. “Evidence shows that youth who are mentored are 46% less likely to develop a long-term substance use disorder,” says Tobin. “Their academics improve, their behavior stabilizes, and they are more likely to pursue higher education and participate in extracurricular activities.”
Partnership and Collaboration: Strength in Unity
No single organization or individual can tackle the SUD crisis alone. It requires a united effort from multiple sectors of society, including healthcare providers, law enforcement, schools, and community organizations. By working together, these groups can create a network of support that addresses the various facets of SUDs, from prevention to treatment and recovery.
Comprehensive Healthcare partners with several local organizations that are committed to this cause. SAFE Yakima, for example, is dedicated to promoting substance abuse prevention and education within the Yakima community. Similarly, the Benton Franklin Recovery Coalition and the Yakima Community Coalition work tirelessly to provide resources, advocacy, and support to those affected by SUDs. These partnerships amplify the reach and impact of prevention efforts, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families.
Taking Action: How You Can Get Involved
- Education, prevention, and collaboration are vital, but they require active participation from all members of the community to be truly effective. There are several ways you can get involved in the fight against SUDs:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about SUDs, the latest research, and the resources available in your community. Share this knowledge with others to help spread awareness and reduce stigma.
- Join a Community Coalition: Many communities have coalitions dedicated to preventing substance misuse and supporting recovery. By joining one of these groups, you can contribute to the development and implementation of prevention strategies.
- Support Local Programs: Get involved with local organizations that are working to prevent and treat SUDs. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support can make a significant difference.
- Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for policies and programs that support SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery at the local, state, and national levels. Your advocacy can help drive the systemic changes needed to address the root causes of SUDs and provide better support for those affected.
As we work together, step by step, brick by brick, we can begin to dismantle the crisis of Substance Use Disorders in our communities. Through education, prevention, collaboration, and action, there is hope for a brighter, healthier future for everyone.
