Thank you for Matt Hubbard’s front-page report, “Lowest number of fatal overdoses in seven years” (Oct. 4). The Maryland Department of Health’s report on statewide overdoses reveals some positive results for 2023. Specifically, Harford County had no fatal overdoses for people over age 55 and older, while at the state level, this older age group had the highest rate of fatal overdoses.

Fewer drug deaths is good news and it’s worth our time to understand how our nonprofits, county and state agencies, law enforcement, health care, workforce development, educational, faith-based and other groups can continue to make progress in reducing drug overdoses and promote more opportunities for recovery.

A major factor in the reduction of fatal overdoses is the increased availability of naloxone (brand name “Narcan’), the medicine that can quickly reverse a fentanyl, heroin, or opioid overdose.  At Voices of Hope’s Harford Recovery Center in Aberdeen, the staff provides free two-dose boxes of Narcan to people and families who come to our center, and people our certified peer recovery specialists meet on community walks, First Fridays, IronBirds games, and other public events.  Voices of Hope is grateful to the Maryland Department of Health for providing this much-needed medicine.

The substantial increase in the number of state-certified peer recovery specialists (CPRS) and community health workers also contributes to the reduction of fatal overdoses and the increase in the number of people with substance use disorder (drug addiction) who are entering detox, treatment, and sober living/recovery housing.  Voices of Hope Harford employs several peer recovery specialists.  Addiction Connections Resource, the UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Aberdeen, the Klein Family Center, and other groups have proactive peer recover specialists who work to reduce overdoses and provide genuine opportunities for people to recover and rebuild their lives and families.

As a person in long-term recovery who has been involved with drug programs in Harford County for many years, my personal observation is that there’s a greater understanding by many of our policymakers, law enforcement, business and civic groups, the faith-based community and others about drug addiction. Addiction is a disease/health condition that hijacks the user’s brain and reward system. It is not a character weakness or the result of a poor upbringing.

Statewide and national surveys show that more than 50% of us know someone — a family member, co-worker, neighbor, friend, other personal connection — who have a substance issue. Familiarity breeds understanding and often empathy. As we work together, as a community, to further reduce all overdoses, it’s important that we know that there have been major advancements in other ways to reduce substance misuse and addiction. There are now more evidence-based treatment options, more effective medications to end and reduce cravings, and an increase in peer support and community resources. Together, we can stem the tide of drug addiction.

Don Mathis, Havre de Grace
Mathis works at Voices of Hope’s Harford Recovery Center in Aberdeen.