Delray Beach, FL (PRWEB) December 07, 2015
In recent years, Maine has seen a dramatic increase in heroin and opiate abuse and in response to the growing epidemic, Beachway Rehabilitation Center and Scarborough Police Department have partnered together for Operation HOPE.
Operation HOPE (Heroin Opiate Prevention Effort) is a demand reduction and addiction outreach program launched by the Scarborough (Maine) Police Department in October 2015. With assistance from the Portland Recovery Community Center, a non-profit organization which serves as a safe haven and support service provider for those in recovery, Operation HOPE seeks to address Maine’s growing heroin and opiate addiction crisis by recognizing the human element of addiction, advocating for recovery, and encouraging users to seek help and assist them in obtaining treatment.
One of the main features of the program is the fact that addicts can voluntarily turn in opiates or drug paraphernalia at the police station without the fear of arrest. Instead, they will be entered into treatment and the recovery cycle can begin. Heroin related deaths in Maine have increased by 714% between 2011 and 2014 and overdose deaths involving fentanyl are up 378% for the same period. Not only has there been a significant increase in heroin and opiate abuse, but the closure rate of notable in-state treatment and rehabilitation facilities has also risen.
Supported by the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI) and modeled after the pioneering “Gloucester Angel” program, Operation HOPE depends on their program volunteers (also known as “Angels”) to help coordinate treatment for those seeking assistance. Because the Scarborough Police Department and its partners are dedicated in helping change Maine’s response to the public health crisis, treatment centers, like Beachway Therapy Center, offers scholarship placements in their facilities and programs. When someone walks through the doors of the police station to ask for help with addiction, they’ll now be able to receive it.
Beachway Therapy Center is a private substance abuse treatment facility that offers individualized addiction treatment for men and women. Their holistic approach to recovery incorporates the mind, body and spirit through a variety of programs that focus on learning or regaining the life skills that promote long-term recovery. More information is available on our website by visiting this link or contact us at 1-888-999-8401 to learn more about how we help those struggling with drug addiction.