How You Can Help Lower the Overdose Rate
Every one of us has the power to prevent an overdose—and no action is too small. Here’s what research and real-world experience show makes a difference:
The Power of Social Support
Studies demonstrate that having even one person to rely on seriously matters. People with larger social networks are more protected against overdose, while those who live or use drugs alone face significantly higher risks. Nearly 70% of overdose deaths involve individuals using while alone.
Social support—whether emotional encouragement, practical help, or simply the assurance that you’re not alone—can buffer stress and improve both mental and physical health outcomes.
Programs that build relationships—like peer recovery support and family-involved therapies—help individuals engage in treatment and reduce risk.
What You Can Do—Start Today
Reach out sincerely to someone who might be struggling. A simple message or check-in can remind them they’re not alone.
Commit to caring—for better or worse. Stick with someone through the ups and downs. Your presence can anchor their path to recovery.
Carry Naloxone (Narcan) and know how to use it. The Café has free Narcan available—just ask.
Talk openly—with everyone—about addiction and mental health. Breaking the silence helps dismantle stigma, making it easier for people to seek help.
Connect people to resources like The Café, 4C (walk-in evaluations available), Celebrate Recovery, Narcotics Anonymous, the county health department, or any of the county’s Compassionate Care providers.
Bring ideas to the Café, city council, your church, the library, your school, the chamber—anyplace that works for the community. We need to create and celebrate communities for everyone, whether it’s “our cup of tea” or not: drama groups, gaming, skating, art, performance, movies, fashion, music, books, fitness of every kind, sandcastles, cup-stacking—anything that gives even a few people a place to belong.
Strengthening the Places We Have
The Café offers free therapy. We try to see people right away, but capacity may affect timing—still, reaching out is the first step.
Make your church an actual sanctuary. In the Christian faith, take seriously the parable of the Good Samaritan. Make real the direct call to visit the jailed, care for the sick, and clothe the naked.
Civic and service groups: ask us how you can help—sometimes it’s money, but often it’s presence, advocacy, or sharing resources. Celebrate Recovery, 4C, the Café, and Compassionate Care can all suggest ways your group can make an impact.
Why This Matters
Knowing there’s someone out there who cares deeply enough to reach out, listen, or hang in there no matter what—a person you can rely on—is one of the strongest protective factors against addiction and overdose. Social support isn’t just kind; it’s life-saving.
Take Action Now
Be that reliable person in someone’s life.
Equip yourself with Narcan and the knowledge to use it.
Speak up, connect, and show people that recovery isn’t just possible—it’s happening.
Help make your town a place where everyone belongs somewhere.
Recovery starts with knowing you belong. You belong here—guaranteed.