x
Breaking News
More () »

Ada County takes on opioid crisis

Thursday's second event in the Opioid Crisis Series was aimed at providing treatment information for addicts and offering support and hope to their families.

MERIDIAN - Local health officials say the opioid crisis that's plaguing the nation is just as rampant in Idaho.

Last year, over 100 people died from overdoses in Ada County.

Thursday night, the county hosted the second event in its Opioid Crisis Series aimed at providing treatment information for addicts and offering support and hope to their families.

"I myself am a heroin addict," admits Savannah Desimone, a speaker at Thursday's event.

She's been struggling with addiction since she was a child.

"I started using meth when I was 11 and it wasn't my drug of choice so I started using painkillers and then that progressed to heroin," says Desimone.

Addiction runs in Desimone's family. Her mother, Deette Heaton, is also an addict.

"I have been an addict for 30 years, I have been in and out of the judicial system, I have been to prison twice," says Heaton.

But now, both mother and daughter are recovering together.

"We are our biggest support systems, were able to lift each other up when we need it, were able to kick each other in the butt when we need it," says Heaton.

Both are enrolled in Ada County's Drug Court program and hope to inspire others to get help.

"Don’t take that chance, you’re playing Russian roulette with your life," says Heaton.

Along with personal stories from families in recovery, 19 different agencies focused on treatment and dependence set up booths at Thursday's event to provide information where addicts can seek help.

"I think the most difficult area is having people actually realize that they need help and be willing to take that first step in seeking the help," says Judge Lynn Norton, who provides over Ada County's court.

Before You Leave, Check This Out