Knocking down addiction, new techniques to deal with the opioid epidemic

BOSTON — More than 1,400 people died in opioid-related deaths last year in Massachusetts.  Boston 25 News reporter Robert Goulston was given an exclusive behind the scenes look, at the new approach Plymouth County is taking to battle the epidemic.

Law enforcement is now confronting drug use by going door-to-door. On the day we joined them, a plain-clothes police officer teamed up with a recovery expert to go into a home just hours after a 20-year-old overdosed and was found on his bathroom floor.

“If someone hadn't been there. He wouldn't have woken up today," said Plymouth officer Melissa Elliott.

The outreach team lets the family know about detox beds, and gives them options for treatment.

“It's a multifaceted approach. Not one entity, not one organization," said East Bridgewater Police Chief Scott Allen.

What started as two different ideas on opposite sides of the county is now an “all hands on deck” program.  All 26 towns in Plymouth County are involved, along with the neighboring city of Brockton in Plymouth County.

"It's like anything else when there is a relationship and common goal that partnership is so big people will step up and find what you need," said Plymouth Police Chief Michael Botieri.

The two police chiefs behind the concept say the key is getting everyone in the same room every month, from the district attorney, to the courts, to the hospitals and treatment centers.

"We're in the middle of a forest fire and you can't put the fire out with a kitchen fire extinguisher," said Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz

Plymouth County Outreach also coordinates drop-in centers, which are basically like job fairs, but for addiction help.

“Everyone one of these tables is an amazing resource for you, your family, your friends," said Erika Sarmento of Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc.

“We help them get over these hurdles or the fear of getting their loved one into treatment,” said David Bassano of the Spire Recovery Group.

Before this program, the services were offered in the emergency room. About half of those approached took help.  But this countywide, door-to-door approach, has about 90 percent of the overdose victims and their families listening. The program has been able to connect about 80 percent of those people with some sort of service.

“When we first started doing this we thought half the time people would turn us away,”  said Plymouth's Chief Botieri.

But they’re showing they care, and trying to reduce the stigma.  Now they’re seeing progress, even if it’s only one case at a time.

"We're happy with those single stories and they'll add up," said Botieri.

Cox Media Group