This letter was intended as a response to the Feb. 9 News article about 23 people dying from opiate abuse in 11 days. Shortly after taking pen to paper, news surrounding and involving the opioid epidemic became a daily topic in the media. I commend The News for being a leader in exposing this epidemic, and devoting the time and attention that the issue so desperately needs.

How addiction is viewed plays largely in how successful we will be at overcoming this epidemic. There is a stigma attached to addicts, even to those who obtain treatment. While we may be slowly moving away from our "shaming and blaming" of people who suffer from addiction, public views are not changing fast enough. We must remember that addiction is a disease, affecting people of all races, socioeconomic status and geographic locations.

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