Later tonight, we will be partnering with our friends from The Bridge in West Caldwell to host an important event educating parents about the opioid abuse issue gripping our state. It’s sure to be a great and informative night for families in the area and we are looking forward to seeing everyone there. You can see more information on the event tonight by visiting The Bridge’s website.

Tonight’s presentation is in West Caldwell but its message is an important one for families all over the state. The opioid abuse epidemic has caused us all to have to reevaluate our strategies in how we approach the issue of substance abuse. We now live in a world where law enforcement are being given special drugs to counteract the effects of opioid overdose and our state legislators are revisiting law and writing new ones, all in the name of saving lives.

We are losing children, fathers, mothers, family, and friends at alarming rates. What is even more frightening is that substance abuse does not discriminate and it can affect anyone. Anyone.

So what is a concerned parent to do? The answer is stay informed. There are many presentations and resources happening all over the state, just like The Bridge’s in West Caldwell, with the sole purpose of educating families and making them aware of the different threats facing them. Seek them out and attend them. Then talk with your kids about what you have learned. Make them aware of the dangers and your feelings on substance abuse. Encourage them to be themselves and to stay away from mind-altering substances.

Parents, we need your help if we are going to end opioid abuse in our state. It starts with you. Get informed. If you have a loved one, family member, or friend who you suspect is abusing drugs, get help. Start by using The New Jersey Treatment Hotline to find a resource near you. Dial 211.