The nationwide opioid epidemic is creating the need for education on how to respond and possibly save a life in the event of an overdose.  

On Monday, April 15, that knowledge was passed along to faculty, staff and students by Cher A. Shannon, MHSA, LADC, program coordinator for GCC’s Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor (DARC) program.  About 30 people listened as Shannon discussed the opioid epidemic and talked about the proper use of Narcan, an overdose antidote, which was distributed following the training.  The program was part of the Connecticut Statewide Healthy Campus Initiative, developed by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and focused on reducing high-risk alcohol and drug use on state campuses. 

Drug overdoses are an unfortunate reality of the opioid epidemic and the problem in Connecticut made national news last summer when there were dozens of overdoses requiring emergency response near the New Haven Green.  Multiple calls were made after numerous people were seen vomiting and passing out in that area.

Shannon said that approximately three people die of drug overdoses each day in the state.  She acknowledged that there is a stigma that surrounds the problem of addiction and explained how the brain is altered when drugs are introduced. 

She noted that many of the drugs in use today are extremely potent, which is causing an increased number of deaths.  Fentanyl, an opioid medication, is approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. 

Shannon said that some signs of opioid use include nodding, pinpoint pupils, scratching and lax muscles.  She said that Narcan can be lifesaving if administered properly and in a timely manner.