MAYVILLE, NEW YORK – Jessica Crooks, a resident of Chautauqua County, has been relying on Suboxone for the past five years to combat her heroin addiction. The medication comes in a dissolvable film that she places under her tongue daily to curb her cravings and thoughts of heroin.
Following a long battle with heroin addiction that severely impacted her life, Crooks opted for detox treatment that introduced her to the option of using Suboxone. This decision marked a turning point for her, as it effectively eliminated her desire for heroin and brought about significant positive changes in her life.
Addressing the opioid epidemic on both individual and public health levels, Steve Kilburn, the program director for the Healing Communities Study, advocates for the use of medication-assisted treatment as a crucial method for combating opioid use disorder. Joining forces with various counties across the state as part of a federal initiative, Chautauqua County is actively participating in the study to tackle addiction in the community.
Kilburn and a coalition of professionals have launched a comprehensive communication campaign utilizing mainstream and social media platforms to educate the public on the benefits of treatments like Suboxone, Methadone, and Vivitrol. These medications have shown effectiveness in reducing illicit opioid use, thereby lowering the risks of overdose deaths associated with dangerous substances like fentanyl.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, fentanyl overdoses have become the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45 in the United States. In Chautauqua County alone, the county has been averaging one fatal overdose per week, resulting in profound loss and grief for families. Recognizing the urgency of raising awareness, Kilburn emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding medicated-assisted treatment.
Crooks, a strong advocate for the campaign, encourages individuals not to feel ashamed of seeking help through medication. By sharing her personal journey and transformation, she aims to inspire others to choose a path of recovery. Crooks currently works for the Mental Health Association, where she supports individuals in recovery and coordinates programs for women facing similar challenges.
The ongoing educational campaign, a key component of the Healing Communities Study, is set to continue until May 5. Beyond Chautauqua County, several other regions in New York, including Broome, Cortland, Genesee, Monroe, Orange, Sullivan, and Yates, are actively participating in the study’s second phase, underscoring the collective efforts to combat addiction across the state.