AL Drug Task Force Creating Ads to Help Prevent Drug Abuse
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In an eye opening ad campaign the Alabama Drug Abuse Task Force is not holding back when it comes to talking about the reality of drug abuse.
“It touches every aspect. Every socio-economic level, every race, every religion. This abuse is no respecter of persons,” said Spencer Collier, Secretary of Law Enforcment.
The task force is made up of law enforcement, prosecutors, as well as private professionals.
Their studies show that hydrocodone and oxycontin are the two major drugs abused in the state.
“Managed properly and in doctor’s care, obviously it works and does great things for those that need it in Alabama, those that have a legitimate need. But it goes from that to a misuse. Then if it’s an opioid, it goes from that misuse where they can’t get that prescription anymore. Then it turns to street level crime, and we’re seeing that in heroin,” said Collier.
They say that heroin poses the most dangerous threat and is quickly overtaking other drugs.
“We’ve got overdoses all through our state. Heroin is displacing crack cocaine. I never thought those words would come out of my mouth. But we’re in dire straits in Alabama,” said Barry Matson, with the AL District’s Attorney Association.
That’s why the task force hopes with these “Zero Addiction” commercials, they can help prevent abuse and encourage abusers to get the help they need before it’s too late.
Funding for the project was by paid for by a federal grant.
