(photo) In Fairfield: A discussion on addiction

March 24, 2016
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A Discussion About Addiction

Fairfield state lawmakers on Mar. 22 hosted a Community Conversation on the opiate crisis at the Pequot Library.

Sen. Tony Hwang, Rep. Brenda Kupchick, Rep. Laura Devlin, and Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey hosted the forum, which provided area residents with an update on policies (attached) being debated at the State Capitol to address addiction.

The state has created a toll free number to help people seeking opioid treatment and services as heroin deaths are climbing. Residents can call 1-800-563-4086 to be directed to a walk-in assessment center in their area where they will be evaluated. People will also receive a follow up phone call by trained staff to determine if they have received the help they need and to problem-solve any barriers to treatment.

The legislators also noted that the C.A.R.E.S. Group (www.thecaresgroup.org) is available any time to offer assistance regarding substance abuse information, support groups, or treatment resources. The C.A.R.E.S. Group can be reached at 1-855-406-0246 .