Addiction Treatment Spotlighted Amid Uptick in Overdoses

In Berks County, officials are seeing an uptick in overdose deaths, with a dozen more fatalities currently reported compared to this time last year.

According to District Attorney John Adams, the majority of those deaths are related to opioid drugs, including heroin and fentanyl. But in a recent WFMZ news story, Adams stressed that help is available to those struggling with addiction during the pandemic.

“We know it’s a difficult environment out there,” Adams said. “But there’s a lot of avenues to seek help here in Berks County. We have some great providers of care.”

The unfortunate increase in overdose deaths during the pandemic is a statewide concern, with Pennsylvania state officials developing a plan of action to assist “hotspots.” Like Adams, they emphasized that treatment and recovery remain available throughout the pandemic.

“There is hope through the help that’s available for all Pennsylvanians, even during the pandemic,” said Jennifer Smith, secretary of drug and alcohol programs. “Pennsylvania’s drug and alcohol providers are open and operational.”

Click here for full WFMZ news clip