«You Are Never Alone«

“You have to want to stand up; this is the indispensable condition! You will find an outstretched hand ready to help you; no one is able to stand up in your place. But you are never alone! The Church and so many people are close to you. Look ahead with confidence. Yours is a long and difficult journey, but look ahead… Do not let yourself be robbed of hope!

(Pope Francis, address at St. Francis of Assisi Hospital addiction treatment and rehabilitation center in Rome, July 24, 2013)

Our nation is in the grips of an opioid crisis that is destroying the lives of too many people, which may include you or your loved ones and friends. People young and old, rich and poor suffer from the vicious cycle of drug addiction and substance abuse. The opioid crisis is not limited by race or ethnic lines, nor is it contained by neighborhood boundaries.

But you are not alone. Don’t let feelings of isolation or embarrassment keep you from seeking help. There are resources and services available for people suffering from addiction to opioids and other drugs, alcohol and self-destructive behaviors.

There are a number of ways to find treatment for those suffering from the disease of addiction.

ROSARY WALK

August 23, 2022

Rosary Walk for Healing from Addictions in Society

Addiction is something that we are all susceptible to and in many ways struggling against. Seemingly harmless technologies and other modern conveniences can become distractive at best, addictive at worst. If we consider how often we turn to our cell phones, email, the Internet, social media, shopping, work, video games, substances, foods, people, pornography, gambling, etc., we probably realize how much time these take away from our lives and our relationship with God and others.

Please join us as we pray as a community for protection and healing for all who are impacted by addictions, including the many who have lost loved ones to addiction.

WHEN

Tuesday

August 23rd

7:00pm (ET)

WHERE

The National Shrine

of Our Lady of Czestochowa

654 Ferry Road

Doylestown, PA

MEET AT

The Visitor Center Entrance

Rain or shine*

You may also call or text Mark at 610-559-4534 for info or to register.

*If it rains we will pray indoors or in a covered area

www.apeoplafire.org

Find Treatment & Support.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline

Are you or someone you know suffering from a prescription drug or heroin problem? Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for information about treatment resources. Your call is completely confidential. This hotline, staffed by trained professionals, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is available in both English and Spanish.

Insurance Coverage

Private insurance will cover addiction recovery programs and detox programs.  Not every private insurance policy includes additional recovery or detox programs but many do.

In addition to private insurance, people suffering from substance addictions can qualify for medical assistance (Medicaid or Medicare).  Be sure to ask what insurance or medical support is available for people going to recovery programs, sober living communities, or detox programs.

Emergency Resources

If someone has taken drugs and becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately.

Emergency help for people suffering from an addiction is available. Below, please find county-based emergency programs for people suffering from opioid addiction, substance abuse, or alcoholism.

County Resources

Opioid Overdose.

Pennsylvania is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. An opioid overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency and requires immediate medical care. People who take high doses of opioid prescription painkillers or have a history of substance abuse are at risk of an opioid overdose. Medications like Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose.

Drug Overdose Deaths in 2020

0
Philadelphia
0
Delaware County
0
Bucks County
0
Montgomery County
0
Chester County

Signs and Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose

  1. A history of current narcotic or opioid use or fentanyl patches on skin or needle in the body.
  2. Unresponsive or unconscious individuals.
  3. Not breathing or slow/shallow respirations
  4. Snoring or gurgling sounds (due to partial upper airway obstruction).
  5. Blue lips and/or nail beds.
  6. Pinpoint pupils.
  7. Clammy skin.

Naloxone (NARCAN)

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose due to opioid use (prescription pain medication or heroin) and restore breathing within minutes. Family members and friends can obtain a prescription for Naloxone from their family doctor or use the standing order. Naloxone is available at most pharmacies and insurances vary on how they cover Naloxone.

Visit https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Opioids/Pages/Naloxone.aspx for more information.

Opioid Addiction Recovery and Hope

Opioid addiction is a particularly aggressive form of the disease. People can gradually become addicted to prescription drugs and/or heroin in an ever-deepening spiral that can turn deadly through overdose. This is not simply due to a lack of willpower or moral character. People become addicted to opioids for many different reasons in a variety of ways, and no matter what, each must face the challenging and difficult task of breaking an all too frequently repetitive cycle of addiction, recovery, and relapse. Often, the most critical time when support is needed most is after a person has been in recovery and then relapsed. Relapse is common and should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment to the difficult path of long-term recovery and sobriety.

But difficult does not mean impossible, and with the right help and supportive environment, sobriety and recovery are indeed achievable. Catholic Social Services has compiled a list of resources to provide you with access to information, help, hope and recovery.