KKCO NBC 11 News - Opioid Epidemic Continues to Bring Action from State Officials

News Article

By Carly Moore

A four-person panel organized by the office of U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton at CMU Wednesday concluded that Mesa County needs a wake-up call about the growing opiate and opioid addiction problem.

Opiates generally refer to "natural" drugs produced from the opium poppy, such as morphine, codeine, heroin, and codeine. Opioids refers to synthetic pain-killers, such as methadone, percacet, oxycotin, and vicodin, that act similar to opiates.

We've reported that addiction and overdose is problem statewide. Drug addiction experts on the panel explained that opioid use is an epidemic in Mesa County and it's not only because its easy to get, its also due to the lack of rehab programs and treatment options.

Marlah Dick is a recovering heroin addict, and without a doubt, she has a unique insight into the opioid addiction problem in Mesa County.

"I always had a fear my kids would walk into the bathroom and see me dead with a needle in my arm," said Marlah. "New drugs are coming up all the time and new ways to do them--people are more miserable and depressed and they don't care, that's how I was."

Tipton said he is gathering more information on potential solutions for the Western Slope.

"It's something that is often times under the radar and communities are unaware of, there are real challenges that real families are facing. It is a growing problem, and an issue that we need to be taken very seriously," said Tipton. "That's the purpose of traveling around the district--to be solutions oriented."

The abuse problem in our community and experts add that admitting it --much like addiction its self -- is the first step to finding solutions for the epidemic.

Dr. Robert Sammons is an addiction specialist for the Mesa County clinic. He said that solutions could be hard to come by because our community is lacking funding for opioid addiction.

"What we need are funding for places like mental health care and the VA to have a special DEA license like you have to have -- like I have -- to treat people with these opiate deterrent medications and other medicine that are there that can be very useful," said Dr. Sammons. "Unfortunately it looks like they have to be used long-term, because they are very effective and they take people back a normal way of life."

Treatment options may be sparse, but Marlah said those who truly want treatment will find a way.

Marlah hopes her story of success can inspire others to seek treatment when they are ready.

She credits her success to the Salvation Army addiction program.

The Salvation Army rehab center does have opening for men and women who are willing to get help with their six month program.

Salvation Army representatives said their rehab program has seen an 86 percent success rate.

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