Over the past few years, we have learned a one size fits all approach is simply not sufficient when it comes to addressing the opioid epidemic. Voices of Hope is shouting this sentiment from the rooftops in Lexington, KY.
Voices of Hope was founded by Alex Elswick and his mother to provide support to those recovering from addiction. Alex knows firsthand what those with substance use disorder go through—he has been in recovery now for 6 years. His addiction began at 18 after he was prescribed oxycodone following a wisdom teeth removal surgery. As his addiction continued and his prescription ran out he transitioned, as many do, to heroin. In fact, nearly 80% of heroin users report using prescription opioids prior to heroin.1 Alex was fortunate enough to have the support and resources to work towards and find long-term recovery, but not everyone is that lucky. Voices of Hope seeks to bridge that gap.
Voices of Hope is a recovery community that offers whatever level of care and community those recovering from addiction may need. There is no perfect road to recovery; it looks different to everyone—that is why the organization tailors each approach for a person in a specialized way. Voices of Hope works to destigmatize addiction and help people in recovery stay in recovery by connecting them with recovery centers, support groups, harm reduction efforts, employment and housing resources, and more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic this specialized approach has given Voices of Hope a leg up in supporting people in long-term recovery. One of the first services they started was their telephone recovery support (TRS) program. TRS is an opt-in system in which volunteers, many in recovery themselves, call people every week to check in, talk, and listen to any struggles or successes. This amazing program creates a strong sense of community, support, and honest recovery.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has reignited the opioid epidemic, causing organizations like Voices of Hope to bolster their online support groups, increase resources for friends and family, and work even harder to keep their communities safe. In Fayette County alone there has been a 42% increase in overdose deaths since the pandemic began. It’s clear more must be done to fight the opioid epidemic and we must work together to do so.
We are proud to be teaming up with Voices for Hope to combat rates of addiction and relapse not only in KY, but across the country. If you are interested in joining our efforts, please visit our action center here.
To learn more about how Voices of Hope is supporting their community, and how you can help, please visit their website here.
1 Jones CM. Heroin use and heroin use risk behaviors among nonmedical users of prescription opioid pain relievers – United States, 2002-2004 and 2008-2010. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013;132(1-2):95-100.
