Tackling Overdose, Addiction and Stigma: Truth Pharm on So. Tier Close Up

The Executive Director of Truth Pharm, Alexis Pleus is the guest on this week's edition of the weekly, local public affairs show, Southern Tier Close Up with a sobering, inspiring and sometimes heart-breaking look at the addiction crisis in our area.

Truth Pharm recently hosted its 4th annual Trail of Truth Memorial March in Binghamton where Pleus says several people stepped forward to say they were saved by over-dose reversal treatment, avoiding becoming one of the tombstones on the Broome County Courthouse lawn memorializing those who have been lost to overdose.  Pleus says it was heartening to find families who were able to share their stories and find support from others, something that was not possible in the past due to the stigma and shame associated with addiction.

That stigma is addressed in a regular program called "Clearing the Confusion" that helps families through issues associated with their own feelings and burdens placed on them from the outside.  A grief group also meets regularly at the Truth Pharm offices.  Both programs are free.

Pleus also reacts to a recent ruling in Oklahoma that places blame for addiction to opioids on pharmaceutical companies like Johnson and Johnson.

More information on Truth Pharm and its programs can be found at www.truthpharm.org and on their facebook page.

Southern Tier Close Up is heard Saturdays at 12:10 p.m. on News Radio 1290 WNBF.