ABSECON - The Atlantic County Opioid Task Force, coordinated by Join Together Atlantic County, will be co-sponsoring an event with Atlantic Prevention Resources, AtlantiCare, Seabrook and the Atlantic County Division of Public Health Substance Abuse Services entitled, Ending Stigma and Unlocking Resources, 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, June 23 via Zoom. The event is open to the public, but registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwufu-rpj4qE9ZZ_3xT2_EKwaaJr78HVa33.
It is the second event of a two-part virtual series focusing on the unwelcomed stigma associated with substance use disorders and opioid prevention, treatment and recovery resources available throughout Atlantic County. The first session took place on June 9 and focused on the stigma of addiction. The recorded presentations will be available on the JTAC website JTACNJ.org in the coming week.
The virtual session will include a presentation on stigma followed by multiple agencies discussing the programs and services they offer in Atlantic County. The purpose of this virtual resource event is to help inform the community about the different opioid resources available to them and their family members.
Stigma is a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person. The stigma of addiction can cause tremendous harm both emotionally and socially. Some of the impacts from the stigma of addiction include, less likely to seek treatment, less likely to find or maintain employment, loss of relationships, extremely poor self esteem, rejection, bullying, discrimination and continued use of substances.
The opioid epidemic has impacted millions of lives in the United States. In 2018, 10.3 million people aged 12 or older reportedly misused opioids in the past year. In addition, approximately 2.1 million people aged 12 or older had an opioid use disorder.
For additional information, contact Brian Wilson of Join Together Atlantic County at 609-272-0101, ext. 22 or email [email protected].
