Heroin overdose deaths are big news in Maine these days, and most of the stories focus on the horrors of heroin addiction and the need for law enforcement to keep drugs out of our state.

But this news coverage only tells part of the story. Addiction does not always end in incarceration or death; many people recover and go on to lead healthy lives.

One of the reasons people don’t seek treatment is the stigma of being a drug user. This stigma is alive and well in Maine.

Media articles that focus on the negative consequences of addiction reinforce attitudes toward people with addiction: They are bad people who do bad things. With such strong stigma, people do not seek treatment, and demand for drugs remains high.

Drug addiction affects us all as a community, and we have been slow to respond. We are part of the problem if we allow stigma to continue.

What can you do? Offer help to people who are struggling with addiction. Support family members during the difficult times. Celebrate the successes of people in recovery.

News coverage misses the most important point about addiction: Recovery is possible.

People recover every day, quietly and without media coverage. They get well and go on to do incredible things in our communities. The power of possibility of people in recovery is immense. It needs to see the light of day.

Andrew Kiezulas

University of Southern Maine student; Maine chapter lead, Young People in Recovery

Portland

Alison Webb

substance abuse prevention professional

Portland

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