Combatting the Opioid Epidemic

The ADAMHS Board is a member of the Department of Justice Task Force on Opioids and other Drug, co-chair of the Cuyahoga County Opiate Task Force and a member of the statewide committee on opioids. We also encourage treatment, reduce stigma and promote recovery through advocacy and public education.

Cuyahoga County Opioid Epidemic

Cuyahoga County is experiencing the devastating effects of an ever-evolving opioid epidemic. In the early days of the Cuyahoga County epidemic there was a transition from prescription pain medication to illicit opioid pills. When prescribing practices made it difficult to obtain pills, persons who were addicted to opioids, switched to heroin. Soon after, fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, made its way into the heroin supply and caused a drastic increase in non-fatal and fatal overdoses. Next an even deadlier synthetic opioid called carfentanil entered the local drug supply and its effect on loss of life was tremendous. In recent years, both of these synthetic opioids have made their way into other drugs, such as cocaine, crack and methamphetamine. The ADAMHS Board and its community partners have remained a leader during this evolving public health crisis. Details on the steps taken by the ADAMHS Board are outlined in this document: ADAMHS A Leader in Combatting the Opioid Crisis.

Heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil, have led to a staggering number of deaths by overdose. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner releases monthly overdose fatality information (look under Maps and Charts).

Who is Using Heroin/Opioids?

Substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, have no boundaries. Addiction affects people of all races, ethnicities, genders, and ages, across all socio-economic levels. Someone suffering from addiction could be a typical teenager, who loves to play video games, be smart, trendy and athletic. A person living with addiction could also be a middle-aged man with a job and family who can function next to normal and keep his use hidden, or even a young woman between the ages of 18 and 25. The stigmatizing images of an "addict" have changed because people have seen their brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children struggling. The truth is that heroin and other opioids in all forms are dangerous and addictive no matter who you are.

Understanding Substance Use Disorder

Addiction Policy Forum launched an animated video series — Addiction — that turns the science of addiction into stories that stick.

The series is made up of two-to-three minute educational episodes that aim to expand understanding about substance use disorders (SUDs) and debunk myths and misinformation that keep addiction from being treated like any other chronic medical condition. Despite the fact that the US has one of the highest rates of addiction in the world, public conversations around the disease often lack scientific grounding. This not only harms those struggling with SUD, but also distracts from critical considerations about much-needed solutions to the current overdose crisis and addiction as a larger public health issue. Learn more at the Addiction Policy Forum.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with behavioral counseling to treat substance use disorders. There are FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and tobacco use disorder.

Opioid Use Disorder Medications

Medications used to treat opioid use disorders are considered the “gold standard” of treatment. They stabilize brain chemistry, reduce or block the euphoric effects of opioids (the “high”), and/or relieve cravings so that the patient can engage in other aspects of treatment such as counseling, family therapy, and peer-support programs.

Recovery is Possible

Thousands of Cuyahoga County Residents are living in recovery from substance use disorders, including opioid addiction. The ADAMHS Board supports a continuum of care that includes, prevention, harm reduction, detoxification, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), non-medicated treatment, counseling, sober housing, and peer support. Never give up hope. Treatment works and people do recover.

Looking for help?

There are many resources available for people living with substance use disorders. If you or someone you know is ready for treatment, please call (216) 623-6888 or 988, the 24-hour crisis and referral hotline. For information about alcohol and other drug and/or mental health service providers within the ADAMHS Board system of care, please view the Provider Network Guide.

DrugHelp.Care: A website developed by faculty and students at Cleveland State University to assist frontline workers, individuals and family member in finding treatment resources in Cuyahoga County. Treatment providers update the information on the website daily so all resource available can be found in real-time.

SAMSHA Treatment Finder: SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1 (800) 662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1 (800) 487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. Also visit the online treatment locators.

More Resources

RecoveryOhio: Governor Mike DeWine created the RecoveryOhio initiative and the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council to coordinate and improve how the state addresses mental health and substance use disorders. The Advisory Council includes a diverse group of individuals who have worked to address mental illness or substance use issues in prevention, treatment, advocacy, or support services; government; private industry; law enforcement; health care; learning institutions; and faith organizations.

Find a listing of ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County Network Agencies that provide opioid detoxification and treatment services.

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