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MSP Alpena Post Tries to Prevent Heroin and Opioids Addiction Through ‘Angel Program’

It’s Opioids Addiction Week and to prevent the problem, Michigan State Police Alpena Post is currently collecting unwanted drugs from the community.

Opioids are the oldest known form of pain relief in the world. Many people who battle an opioid addiction usually turn to stronger drugs.

“With an opioid addiction a lot of times people will turn to heroin. Heroin is 2 times a potent as to what a single dose of morphine could be,” Trooper Ashley Simpson said.

In 2014 Michigan had more overdose deaths from heroin than from a motor vehicle crash. Over 21 million prescriptions were filled in Michigan that same year.

The largest number of opioid prescriptions were written in northern Michigan counties. Michigan State Police Alpena Post is trying to create change and decrease that problem with different programs.

“Here at the Alpena Post we have the Angel Program. It’s a program where we can try to assist and find rehab or a detox program to help them get off of that substance,” Simpson explained.

If you, or someone you know needs help the Alpena Post is always open. You can also www.Michigan.gov/AngelProgram or call 517-284-3208.