YARMOUTH & BARNSTABLE: 90 heroin ODs with 9 fatalities in just 68 days…
HN NOTES: The Yarmouth and Barnstable Police both released the latest heroin overdose statistics earlier today…
The YPD reports 39 known heroin related overdoses since January 1, 2015. Five of those overdoses were fatal.
The BPD responded to 51 known heroin overdoses since January 1, 2015. Four were fatalities. Five were repeat patients. Narcan was administered by rescue personnel in 39 of the 51 overdoses.
HN was surprised to learn there are those who say we shouldn’t use our resources to revive the victims of this epidemic, that we should just let “them” overdose and die.
Yet there is a significantly larger number of people who believe the effort is well worth it; all lives are precious, and to be human is to care.
Actually, I’m quite sickened by those who have uttered that we should just let heroin addicts overdose and kill themselves, implying it would be easier that way.
It’s clear there is still a significant amount of insensitivity out there based primarily on ignorance. Anyone who has known or been involved with an active addict knows that “tough love” does not mean you drop the word “love.” Tough love means you take a stand and avoid enabling, but you still love the person… “hate the drug, but love the person…”
An example would be finding a loved one passed out on the floor. Tough love does not mean stepping over the person in disgust, or kicking the person when they’re down and out. Tough love also does not mean you hurt your back trying to lift the addict up into bed, interfering with your own peace of mind and wellbeing in the process.
No, tough love means you protect yourself first, don’t enable, but still give a reasonable amount of love by perhaps draping a blanket over your loved one if it doesn’t inconvenience or harm you, leaving them on the floor where they placed themselves, after checking to see they’re okay, but doing so with compassion… Often tough love means completely detaching from the addict, but it still doesn’t mean you drop the word love. “Love” is the most important part of “tough love.”
It’s not easy. But it’s not impossible either…
Today’s statistics are overwhelming and have left me somewhat “speechless” for the time being.
HN has been to many of the recent fatal overdose scenes. Each scene has had it’s differences and similarities, with the one constant being a relatively young life taken way too soon.
It’s always tragic. And it’s never something one becomes accustomed to. (If someone tells you they are used to it, they’re either lying or insane.)
HN will let the numbers sink in and reserve further comment at this time. Our local heroin epidemic is a complex issue in need of solutions that run far deeper than simply providing Narcan and support groups for those afflicted. But don’t get me wrong, Narcan and support groups are most definitely necessary parts of the solution.
Stay tuned…
HN extends condolences to the family and loved ones of the recent victims.
Also note, readers are welcome to share their constructive thoughts and comments on this subject below. But please remember to be respectful and considerate of the families and loved ones of the victims.
[Statistics furnished by Barnstable Police Sergeant John York, and Deputy Chief Steve Xiarhos of the Yarmouth Police.]
3/10/2015
Robert Bastille,
P.S. – Today’s HyTown Vignette is brought to you by Jim Croce… [Press play]
