Changing The Narrative Around Addiction On International Overdose Awareness Day

The Gateway Foundation is raising awareness and reducing stigma around addiction.

By Stephanie Kim
Online Treatment, Virtual Check-Ins: Dealing With Addiction In A Pandemic
In this March 27, 2020 photo, a patient picking up medication for opioid addiction is given hand sanitizer at a clinic in Olympia, Wash., The clinic is meeting patients outdoors and offering longer prescriptions to reduce risk of coronavirus infection. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
Online Treatment, Virtual Check-Ins: Dealing With Addiction In A Pandemic
In this March 27, 2020 photo, a patient picking up medication for opioid addiction is given hand sanitizer at a clinic in Olympia, Wash., The clinic is meeting patients outdoors and offering longer prescriptions to reduce risk of coronavirus infection. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)

Changing The Narrative Around Addiction On International Overdose Awareness Day

The Gateway Foundation is raising awareness and reducing stigma around addiction.

By Stephanie Kim
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The U.S. is seeing a surge in opioid overdoses and an uptick in alcohol and substance use amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Here in Illinois, Cook County is on track to double the number of opioid-related deaths from 2019.

On International Overdose Awareness Day, Reset digs into how the pandemic is making it harder for those who are struggling with addiction or substance use, and hears a personal story of overcoming addiction.

GUESTS: Jim Scarpace, executive director at Gateway Foundation

Lucy Valdez, graduate of the Gateway Foundation