A State of Addiction: Utah's Opioid Epidemic
In this 13-part series, we explore the issue of opioids in Utah - hear people’s stories, dissect the complexities and explore possible solutions.
In our research, we have discovered many of you have a personal story about the appeal and devastation of opioids. Maybe you are the user or it could be a loved one. For many reasons, UPR wants to give you a chance to share your thoughts, fears... your story. Click here to find out more.
This UPR original series is brought to you in part by the Association for Utah Community Health, providing training and technical assistance to health centers and affiliates across Utah. More information available here.
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When Megan Bohman learned that her neighbors and friends in Brigham City were dying from opioid misuse and abuse she decided as a health education… -
“People who have an addiction will tell you, you have to find other things that give your life meaning and value,” said Doug Thomas, director of Utah's… -
It’s a cold, November morning and I’m outside a free detox center in South Salt Lake. It stands out because it’s a modern-looking building in an… -
"Had my son. C-section. I was given a prescription for pain pills. They did the trick. They helped with the physical pain, as well as the emotional pain… -
John Clark Jr. traces the start of his battle with opioid addiction back to when he was 23 and working at a group home for persons with cognitive… -
Drug courts are specialty courts designed to divert individuals from the prison system and into treatment for their addiction. Studies have found they… -
LeAnn Williams was married for 31 years. She just lost her husband this past February to an overdose of Oxycodone. LeAnn gently turned through each page… -
Pain is complex. It's hard to quantify. Pain can be acute or long-lasting. And it changes over time. That can make pain difficult to treat. Opioids play… -
Woodi Reed has been in chronic back pain for the last seven years. In her search for some relief, she has participated in pain clinics to treat her spinal… -
Exploring the impacts of opioid use on individuals, families, friends and communities in Utah led Utah Public Radio to the Uintah Basin. In Vernal, the…
