Dustin

Advocate
Son
Peer
In recovery

Jenna

Mother
Youth Advocate
Runner
Lover of live music
In recovery

Taylor

Dad
Community member
Adventurer
In recovery

Ted

I am you
Father
Grandfather
Recovering...

Addiction isn’t a character flaw.

Opioid use disorder and addiction to other substances are medical conditions. A substance use disorder can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or background. This animated video simply and clearly illustrates the path to addiction.

Many people became addicted to opioids because they were aggressively and unethically marketed by drug companies as safe treatments for pain. 

Whatever the substance, these are our neighbors, friends and family members. They deserve compassion, support, and evidence-based treatment to recover and thrive. We all can play an important role.

When we face this together, we take a step toward recovery.

Fentanyl raised the stakes.

The surge in fentanyl, an ultra-potent opioid often mixed into counterfeit pills or party drugs, created an overdose epidemic. 

Our community can and must rise to this challenge.

We need to prevent overdoses if we want to help our neighbors recover from opioid use disorder.

Let’s normalize naloxone.

Narcan, the brand name for naloxone spray, can reverse opioid overdoses. Anyone can use it to save a life. 

Think of it like a fire extinguisher – we hope we do not have to use it, but we want it nearby if we need it.

We can keep it handy in our homes, businesses, cars and schools. Make it part of your first-aid kit. Learn How to Get Naloxone - Bring Naloxone Home. And download the Opi-Rescue app so you have it when you need it. 

Let’s destigmatize substance use disorder.

When we bring opioid use disorder out of the shadows, people will be less likely to use opioids alone, which makes them especially vulnerable to a fatal overdose.

Setbacks are part of the recovery journey. People who have never used opioids before, or who use opioids after a period of nonuse, are especially vulnerable to overdoses. 

A substance use disorder is not something to hide, just as we should not be embarrassed about any medical condition that requires treatment and support. 

People can and do recover from addiction to opioids and other substances. They can and do go on to live long, healthy, and rewarding lives.

Recovery requires more than just willpower.

Recovery may involve medication to help with cravings and withdrawal. It also may include different forms of therapy.

Evidence-based treatment works. Treatment centers and counselors are a vital part of the solution.


If you’re experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1. 


Find additional resources below: 

Colorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential and immediate support from trained professionals and peer specialists. You can call, text or walk in for support. Call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255. coloradocrisisservices.org

Solvista Health is a local, comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment provider that has been serving Fremont, Chaffee, Lake and Custer Counties for more than 60 years. solvistahealth.org

Chaffee Resources makes it easier to connect with health and wellness resources. chaffeeresources.com

Diversus Health provides high-quality mental and behavioral health care and counseling in multiple Colorado communities, one person or family at a time. https://diversushealth.org/

The Park County Mental Health Alliance is a new organization founded to promote a balanced, responsive continuum of behavioral and mental health services for Park County residents. parkcountymentalhealth.org

The Fremont County Homeless Coalition offers a helpful guide to Fremont County resources. fremontcountyhc.org

For non-emergency information about Custer County mental health and substance use resources, contact patrick@custercounty-co.gov


Everyone deserves a healthy and fulfilling life free from addiction. 

Recovery requires the support of the entire community. What role will you play?

End Stigma. Start Recovery.

This is a project of the Region 15 Opioid Abatement Council, which encompasses Chaffee, Custer, Fremont and Park counties. For media inquiries or more information specific to the End Stigma Start Recovery campaign, contact lauren@se2changeforgood.com. This email is not for those needing resources or who are in crisis.