Addiction treatment services available as Ohio sees record overdoses

NORWALK — According to the Ohio Department of Health and Harm Reduction Ohio, a non-profit advocacy group, the 2020 statistics for 19 Ohio counties, including Seneca, have already set or equaled records for the most overdose deaths in a year. Factors contributing to these tragic milestones include results of the pandemic such as isolation, fear, and unemployment and the increased presence of fentanyl or a fentanyl analog in illegal drugs. Harm Reduction Ohio predicts that another 1,000 or so deaths will be added before the overdose death count for 2020 is complete in the late summer of 2021. Rigel Recovery Services in Tiffin, Norwalk, Fremont and Woodville operated by Oriana House, offers outpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment and support services for families affected by addiction. In-person and telehealth appointments, assessments, and counseling are available. Rigel Recovery Services offices in Tiffin and Norwalk also offer free Narcan Nasal Spray which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. "Addiction is a chronic disease, but it does not have to be deadly," says Deanna England, LICDC-CS, LPC, Oriana House clinical manager of Rigel Recovery Treatment Services, North Central Ohio. "Every day we have the privilege of working with individuals who have learned to overcome their addiction, change their behavior, and reclaim their lives." England said that success in treatment looks different for everyone. "Some people do best with medication that helps eliminate their cravings, many have tried to quit previously and relapsed, but through counseling have learned new coping skills," she said. "Our staff works with every person to help them determine their own goals and provide the resources and support needed to accomplish them." Rigel Recovery Services is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. For more information go to www.rigelrecovery.org or call (567) 220-7018.