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Opioid-use disorder is affecting every corner of Arkansas. Together, we are uniting to help.

Dose of Reality

Together, we can learn about opioid use disorder – and how to fight it. Information, insight and experiences of heartache, hope and healing are all around us. True stories, lived and told by real people.

You can find information and stories like that here, from folks in every walk of life. Health professionals. Laborers. Clergy. Executives. Parents. First responders. Artisans. Advocates. Anyone who has been a witness to the human cost and reality of this epidemic.

Perhaps, by sharing our knowledge and life lessons – we can create a healthier, more hopeful horizon … together.

Peer Recovery Specialist – The Secret Weapon

Kyle Brewer, BS, PRPS; Peer Specialist Program Manager; NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals

The opioid epidemic has sadly claimed the lives of thousands of Americans. The problem is complex, and, as a nation […]

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Paula Cunningham

Opioid Crisis: A Mother’s Pain Leads to Advocacy

Paula Cunningham, manager of Medical Policy Administration for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Editor’s note: Paula Cunningham, the manager of Medical Policy Administration for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, has been tragically […]

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Hayes Family Collage

The Hidden Cost

Mark R. Hayes, Executive Director, Arkansas Municipal League

My personal story regarding the opioid epidemic has been told in several public forums. It’s not a secret. My wife Alison and I have been an open book regarding the death of our son Wells in hopes of saving the lives of others.

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Chad Rodgers

ACEs, Opioids and Families

Chad T. Rodgers, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer, AFMC; Partner and Pediatrician, Little Rock Pediatric Clinic

Arkansas ranks first in the nation for those who have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience. We are one of the highest in the country for children who have experienced three or more. Arkansas also ranks second in opioid prescriptions per 100 persons and 33rd in opioid-related deaths.

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Need help?

If you or someone that you care about is dealing with opioid-use or substance-use disorder, please reach out and seek treatment. Find help by contacting the national drug addiction helpline (24/7/365) at 1-800-644-HELP (4357) or the Arkansas Mental Health & Addiction Support Line at 1-844-763-0198.