7 Deaths too Many: Addiction is a Disease. Recovery is Possible

NEWS | HEALTH
R.I. Health officials: 7 drug overdose deaths so far in January

Published: January 21, 2015 12:15 PM Providence Journal
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By News staff

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — State public health officials say there have been seven apparent accidental drug overdose deaths so far in January.

Gov. Gina Raimondo says the latest numbers demonstrate that the state continues to face a public health crisis. There were 232 apparent accidental drug overdose deaths in 2014, the same as in 2013.

Raimondo said Wednesday her administration is committed to driving down the number of overdose deaths.

The state recently launched a campaign to help Rhode Islanders addicted to drugs and alcohol.

The campaign titled “Addiction is a Disease. Recovery is Possible” features eight local men and women publicly sharing their stories of addiction and recovery.

Health Director Michael Fine has said he wants people to know there’s help, and there are people who succeed at long-term recovery.