{"id":4614,"date":"2024-09-27T08:42:32","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T15:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/?p=4614"},"modified":"2024-09-27T08:42:35","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T15:42:35","slug":"finding-the-road-to-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/2024\/09\/27\/finding-the-road-to-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding the road to recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I would guess nearly all of us have had a family member or friend who have faced a substance or behavioral health challenge. Helping them face the challenge and hopefully get well is difficult. But the consequences of not addressing it can be devastating. That\u2019s why I turned to one of our local experts for guidance and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I first met Chantell Harmon Reed when she applied to be the Director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department last March. Her passion, compassion, experience and perspective impressed me. There was no question in my mind that she was the right person to lead the Health Department and our community to a healthier future. Since she assumed the role of the Director of Public Health last March, my initial perceptions have been validated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I asked her to write this week\u2019s blog and address helping those in our community who are trapped in addiction or mental illness begin the road to recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m grateful for the hope and encouragement she offers here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks for reading,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bruce<\/p>\n\n\n\n

————————————————————<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Substance use disorder touches all of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last month, we recognized Overdose Awareness Day and all those who\u2019ve suffered the devastating loss that comes with a drug poisoning. I had the honor of accepting a proclamation from Pierce County Council<\/a>. I took that opportunity to share the story of my own family member, Brittney, and how her fatal overdose in 2016 continues to touch my life every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This month, we focus on recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

September is National Recovery Month, a time for us to bring awareness to mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and everyone in the recovery community. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cEvery Person, Every Family, Every Community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That last part has me thinking about all of us in Pierce County and the crisis we face. Overdose is our most common cause of adult preventable death. It outnumbers deaths from motor-vehicle collisions and firearms. Together, we can prevent overdoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will take all of us to help our community find its road to recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the help you need.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use disorder, get help!<\/a> And if you have children and use any drug, keep it away from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A crisis this severe demands a solution that is proven to work. For many, that means medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)<\/a>. These medications help people reduce withdraw symptoms so they can focus on their wellbeing and stabilize their lives. This is often a helpful step to recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But everyone experiences substance use disorder differently and everyone finds recovery in different ways. The most important thing is to reach out to get the help you or your loved ones need. Pierce County\u2019s Behavioral Health locator<\/a> is a great place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fight stigma.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How we talk about substances and the people who use them also shapes how people react. If we speak negatively, it could discourage folks from seeking recovery. We encourage everyone to seek help early and often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you care about someone and are worried about their substance use, think about the words you use<\/a><\/a><\/a>. When you decrease stigma, you help your friends and loved ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n