Stop The Stigma

Manchester, Connecticut: Published reports state drug overdoses are now the number one cause of accidental death in The United States of America recently surpassing automobile accidents; yet, 9 out of 10 people never get treatment.

People with substance use disorders are often isolated, outcast and even imprisoned. The shame associated with this disease discourages people and families from getting the help they need which is directly fueling this addiction epidemic.

If we change the way we think about this disease, we can change the outcome.

That's exactly why InterCommunity Health Care Inc. is partnering with Shatterproof, a national advocacy organization, to change the way we talk and treat persons with substance use disorders.

Stop the Stigma is a continuation of InterCommunity's public outreach campaign from two years ago, Stop the Pain, where hundreds came out for a packed town hall event which focused on the rising opioid epidemic in our nation and state.

"For me, the two go hand-in-hand," said InterCommunity President and CEO Kim Beauregard. "The stigma exists today with addiction and discourages people from ever getting help. This is only fueling the epidemic. We need to keep the conversation going and change the way we view and talk about this disease in order to save lives. Help and hope are available."

Stop the Stigma will take place May 14th at Manchester Community College at the

SBM Charitable Foundation Auditorium from 6 PM to 8 PM. This event is free but all are being asked to register first by clicking here.

Keynote speaker and Connecticut resident Gary Mendell is the founder and CEO of Shatterproof. Tragically, he knows this pain all too well of losing someone to substance use disorders.

"Like so many children, as he entered his teenage years, Brian tried marijuana. And like far too many, this led to other drugs to which he became addicted," Mendell said. "For almost 10 years, Brian battled the disease of addiction and its cycle of shame, isolation, and failure."

During that same time, Mendell said he and his family fought to navigate the complex and confusing web of treatment programs and therapies.

"If you know someone who has struggled with addiction, you know all too well the pain and anguish of watching a loved one in the clutches of this disease," Mendell went on to say. "This is how Shatterproof began. We want to change the culture, dialogue, and treatment. I applaud InterCommunity in its effort to keep the conversation going and help be the change. It's time to change the way we think--and talk--about people with substance use disorders."

The public is invited to attend this free event but must register first by clicking here. Light refreshments will be served and people will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Other interesting facts regarding addiction.

• More than 22 million Americans struggle with the disease, that's one-quarter of American families.
• More than 370 people die every day from substance use disorders.
• Nearly 9 out of 10 begin experimenting with substances before their 18th birthdays while their brains are still developing.
• For every major disease in this country, there is one well-funded national organization--but not one for addiction. Shatterproof hopes to one day be that organization.