A common misconception among drug and alcohol addiction is that abusers typically live in poor or lower-middle-class neighborhoods. Part of the reason is that people tend to associate drug and alcohol addiction with financial stress, lack of treatment resources and insufficient education on substance abuse. However, recent studies have shown this is not the case. The addiction statistics actually increase among higher-income neighborhoods, although many don’t want to acknowledge it as an epidemic happening right in their own neighborhoods.

In July of 2017, a group of 30 community leaders in Hudson, OH joined forces to tackle the opioid epidemic head-on and answer these difficult questions. Led by leaders of the Hudson Community Foundation and members of Hudson Community First, the group formed a new organization called Drug Safe Hudson to bring about community awareness. Drug Safe Hudson exists to improve opportunities for citizens living in Hudson, OH that are battling addiction. For this week’s podcast, Greg met with Jamie Messenger, the Resource Specialist for Drug Safe Hudson and community advocate who specializes in combating the alcohol and drug epidemic. Hear how these organizations are providing resources for victims and support for families that have been affected by the crisis.