Dunkirk, New York – Jessica Crooks, a resident of Dunkirk, New York, is on a journey of recovery after battling a heroin addiction for years. She has found solace in taking Suboxone daily, a medication that has helped her overcome her cravings and live a healthier life.
Crooks shared that Suboxone, a dissolvable film placed under the tongue, has been a game-changer for her, eliminating the grip of addiction that once controlled her life. Her positive experience with medication-assisted treatment echoes the sentiment of many others struggling with opioid use disorder in the United States.
Across various counties in New York, including Chautauqua County, efforts are underway to combat the opioid epidemic through a federal Healing Communities Study. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the effectiveness of medications like Suboxone, Methadone, and Vivatrol in reducing the use of illicit opioids and preventing overdose deaths.
Steve Kilburn, program director for the Healing Communities Study, emphasizes the importance of medication-assisted treatment in addressing opioid use disorder both at the individual and public health levels. As the leading cause of death in the U.S. for adults aged 18-45, fentanyl overdoses have taken a significant toll on communities, with an average of one fatal overdose per week in Chautauqua County alone.
The current communications campaign led by Kilburn and a coalition of partners seeks to destigmatize medicated assisted treatment and promote awareness of its benefits. Crooks, who now works with the Mental Health Association assisting others in recovery, is a strong advocate for breaking the stigma associated with medication use.
In addition to her work helping women in recovery through the Strong Starts Chautauqua program, Crooks is actively involved in supporting the ongoing education campaign related to the Healing Communities Study. This phase of the study is set to continue until May 5, with several counties across New York, such as Broome, Cortland, Genesee, Monroe, Orange, Sullivan, and Yates, participating in the initiative.
Through personal stories like Crooks’s and the collaborative efforts of organizations and communities, the fight against opioid addiction in New York is being met with compassion, education, and a dedication to saving lives. The journey towards recovery is a challenging yet hopeful one, with individuals like Crooks leading the way in breaking free from the chains of addiction.