Calhoun County, AL – Alabama has always been known by her determination, grit and devotion. Despite these admirable attributes, some communities have faced challenges in overcoming the destructive effects from the epidemic of opioids.


An epidemic of addiction to opioids that is sweeping across Alabama has become an urgent public health issue and has left a trail of destruction over families and communities. The issue is caused by the widespread use and addiction to opioids and prescription drugs, the current crisis has raised questions about the impact it has on the wellbeing of our society.


The root of the problem lies in a complicated combination of factors and influences, the genesis of the disease can be traced to the confluence of prescriptions for excessive amounts of painkillers, a lack of availability of alternative therapies and socioeconomic inequities. Alabama as well as other states, witnessed an increase in prescriptions for opioids during the 1990s and into the early 2000s, which led to an accidental increase in the use of opioids. The enticement of pain relief and euphoria resulting in an explosion of abuse and eventually escalating into addiction.


The negative effects of the epidemic are severe and linger for a long time. Families are ripped apart due to the addiction cycle and causing a tension in the social web. Health systems in crisis face an increasing number of cases of addiction and straining resources. Additionally, productivity decreases because addiction impedes work creating the vicious spiral of poverty.


Initiatives to tackle the problem fight against the problem in Alabama include a mix of health-related initiatives for the public and law enforcement efforts as well as addiction rehabilitation programs. More stringent prescription regulations, improved monitoring of prescription drugs and a broader availability of addiction therapy facilities are being implemented to lessen the impact of the crisis. Yet, the fight against the opioid epidemic is an ongoing issue, and requires continuous and extensive efforts to reduce its devastating effects for the state’s population and general well-being.


One thing is certain: Alabama continues to fight. In the future we will need a coordinated and unified effort to tackle the root cause, but here are some resources both at the local and national level that can assist anyone suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues.


Remember…You aren’t alone!


Alabama Resources

NAMI Alabama NAMI Alabama A non-profit organization focusing on the advocacy of mental health

Alabama Department of Mental Health The ADMH mission is to serve, empower and Provide Support to ensure the well-being and health of Alabamians

“Live another Day Live Another Day A carefully curated list of most effective Treatment centers located in Alabama

Alabama Public Health is a public health agency that works to improve, protect and enhance health care in Alabama


VitAL VITA With our network of providers and partnerships with The University of Alabama and state agencies, we are enhancing the well-being of Alabamans

Alabama Family Central Alabama Family Central Alabama Family Central is an alliance between state departments and other partners that provide Alabama’s families with services, resources and more to ensure healthy, happy children.


National Resources for People of Color and others who are marginalized:

Assistance to BIPOC Parents – A comprehensive collection of resources by BIPOC parents. This guide was compiled by experts from the Louisville Addiction Center

Information for Black Women Updated in 2023. The resource includes more than 50 resources that have been thoroughly vetted for Black women, written by the team from Southeast Detox

Resource Guides that are geared towards Indigenous Women – This guide contains a wealth of resources to build and empower Indigenous Women. This guide was compiled by the staff at Southeast Addiction Center

Information for Black Men Recently updated the guide includes 50 mental health sources for Black men, written by experts from Southeast Addiction Center Tennessee

Information for Latinx Students – A wealth of sources to Latinx university students as well as their comrades however, they are joined with Tulip Hill Recovery

Information for AAPI Students The following list includes 28 substance and mental health information resources specifically designed for Asian American students, carefully edited by experts from Lexington Addiction Center

Michelle Giordano M.S. Community Counselor Community Outreach Advocate

Michelle@liveanotherday.org