Opioids – Opioids are chemical compounds that generally are not derived from natural plant matter. Most opioids are “made in the lab” or “synthesized.” Examples of opioids include:
- Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (e.g., Oxycontin, Percocet)
- Oxymorphone (e.g., Opana)
- Methadone (e.g., Dolophine)
- Fentanyl/fentanil (e.g., Ultiva, Sublimaze, Duragesic patch)
Opiates – Opiates are chemical compounds that are extracted or refined from natural plant matter (poppy sap and fibers). Examples of opiates include:
- Opium
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Heroin
The City of Bristol has suffered the adverse effects of the opioid crisis and, as a result, has created many programs to address the epidemic. For one, the Mayor has established a “Task Force on Opioids” which is an organized group of community leaders, grassroots organizations, the business community and concerned residents unified in their commitment to bring attention to and reduce the tragic consequences that stem from the use of heroin and other opiates throughout the community. Furthermore, The Bristol Police Department, in collaboration with Bristol Hospital, created the City of Bristol Recovery Alliance (C.O.B.R.A.), which is a program that allows certain offenders of drug possession the opportunity to choose a commitment to treatment in lieu of arrest. Bristol Hospital’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) participate in reporting their real-time overdose encounters to ODMap, which is a national database that provides detailed data on community level overdoses. The City of Bristol also received a grant from the CT DMHAS called “How Can We Help” which, among many other services, supports a Recovery Coach/Navigator in the community to assist those seeking recovery or who are struggling with barriers to recovery. Bristol also has the Root Center, which focuses on behavioral health treatment and offers a variety of addiction and mental health services.
Even with these local resources and programs available, the opioid crisis continues to plague the community and burden the lives of many in the city and surrounding communities.
Local Resources:
Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance – CTHRA | Hartford CT | Facebook
A Recovery-Friendly Community – Bristol, Connecticut
Opioid COMMUNITY Crisis INFO | Bristol, CT
Root Center Bristol – Root Center for Advanced Recovery
Opioid Substance Use Treatment Options in Connecticut
Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Facility Locator | CT Clearinghouse
LiveLOUD – Life with Opioid Use Disorder
NORA – Naloxone + Overdose Response App (ct.gov)
Assisted Living Options for People Struggling with Addiction – Caring.com
Resources:
National Help: HHS.gov/Opioids: The Prescription Drug & Heroin Overdose Epidemic
National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Find treatment near you: FindTreatment.gov
Got Narcan?
If you reside OR work in Bristol or Burlington and would like a Narcan Kit, call BBHD!