Families damaged by heroin and opiate addiction often face a dizzying array of programs and services to help them face the crisis. Which ones are effective?

Congressional Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic (courtesy Kate Pudiwill)
Congressional Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic (courtesy Kate Pudiwill)
loading...

A new online guide, compiled by treatment experts and the Congressional Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, offers swift access to an arsenal of resources they trust.

Shore-based Representative Tom MacArthur (R-3), a member of the task force, unveiled the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Toolkit and placed it on his web site as he and other Congressional leaders develop responses to the epidemic.

Among the key points covered in the 10-step guide are family communication, parenting skills for coping with dependency, the roots of drug and alcohol abuse, community involvement, and safe disposal of prescription medicines.

Representative Tom MacArthur and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato discuss Comprehensive Addiction Resource Guide (courtesy Kate Pudiwill)
Representative Tom MacArthur and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato discuss Comprehensive Addiction Resource Guide (courtesy Kate Pudiwill)
loading...

The Office of National Drug Control Policy estimates that in 2014, about 11 percent of some 22,700,000 Americans mired in substance abuse got the help they needed. Meanwhile, the overdose death rate is estimaated at about 129 each day, about 60 percent of the number attributable to opium-based drugs.

"The heroin crisis is devastating our communities and we need to take action now," MacArthur said in prepared comments.

"Starting today a resource guide will be available on my website and my district staff in Marlton and Toms River will help direct families or individuals to additional resources available to those facing addiction...By providing this comprehensive guide to resources, we hope families will find the support they need to deal with these issues."

Other contributors include the Addiction Policy Forum, Community Anti-Drug Coalition, the National Council, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, Shatterproof, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Legal Action Center, National Institute of Drug Abuse, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

MacArthur's next scheduled hour to speak with you during "Ask The Congressman" is June 1, on WOBM-AM, News Talk Radio 1160 & 1310.

More From 92.7 WOBM