“We have to get the word out to parents and friends that we have an issue that needs addressed,” Dershem said.
Taking questions from the crowd, the panel of six, moderated by Penn State Evidence-Based Prevention and Intervention Support Center Managing Director Stephanie Bradley, spoke on subjects ranging from the definition of addiction to the stigma of addiction to mental health.
MNMC Emergency Medical Services Director Dr. Kassandra Botti said addiction to heroin or opiates has been proven to be an addiction and not a lifestyle choice — a belief that continues to circulate. This lifestyle belief helps fuel the stigma of addiction, preventing many from seeking help for fear of judgment.
County Drug and Alcohol Services Assistant Director Cathy Arbogast echoed this, saying that when a person abuses a substance, it works in the same areas of the brain where base activities like breathing and eating are. The addiction takes over so much of the brain that it becomes difficult to make other choices.
Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs communications Director Jason Snyder, himself a recovering addict who lost both his brothers to their own addictions, said peer-to-peer testimonial is the best way to overcome the stigma of addiction. Addiction affects everyone, he said, and the mission is to step forward.
Addressing myths surrounding heroin, Crossroads Counseling recovery specialist Katie Hugo — herself a recovered addict — said people have to stop thinking that addiction or an addict looks a certain way. She said she’s helped treat everyone from teens to professional-aged adults.
State College police Officer Adam Salyards dispelled the notion that if the police receive a tip about someone dealing or taking heroin, that the person will be arrested immediately. Police must establish evidence before an arrest, and will work with detectives or the county drug task force before approaching someone with charges, he said.
Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, said the issue must be looked at as a health issue and not just a crime issue.
“In society, if you have heart pains, you go to the hospital and they don’t send you home,” he said. “But when it comes to addiction problems, they treat you and send you out.
“We have to look at the underlying issue — why do people keep doing this?” he said.
The panel also touched on the use of naloxone — also called Narcan — and its use in battling overdoses. It counters the opioid, Botti said, stopping the effects of the drugs, and is carried by police, EMS and is readily available to residents who seek it through most drug stores.
Salyards said he personally administered a dose of naloxone to an individual about two weeks ago, saving the person’s life.
“It’s a good collaboration between law enforcement and health care,” he said.
County Commissioners provided closing comments, noting that the panel discussion is a great first step but the epidemic will only slow if everyone participates. A second panel discussion focusing on treatment and recovery is slated for September.