Orland Park uses website to help reduce drug addiction

February 6, 2018 · by Laura Hinderman · in

Originally published July 28, 2016

What does an addict look like?

We think we could pick someone with addiction issues out of a crowd because of accepted generalizations, but what if I described to you a young athlete who had injuries and became addicted to painkillers? Or the teen who found prescription medications in his/her parents’ medicine cabinet and secretly started taking them? And what about the beautiful, young woman who has her own battle with Vicodin addiction after treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

These are ALL the faces of addiction.

I attended a recent meeting of the Orland Park Substance Awareness Forum (OPSAF) and was humbled by the work they have done. Since April, 2015, this committee has been busy compiling, vetting, amassing, and uploading instructional and testimonial videos on an interactive website that will serve as a resource for families struggling with addiction.

The group called the website Orland Park C.A.R.E.S. — which stands for Community, Awareness, Recovery, Education, Support. The website’s address is www.opcares.net.

Many times, people close to an addict don’t have the resources or any idea where to turn for help. Often, the shame or embarrassment surrounding addiction causes them to not seek help. But this group is working to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date resource where many questions can be answered and guidance for help and assistance may be found.

The recent meeting was a culmination of more than a year’s work with police, fire, EMS, doctors, hospitals, churches, addiction centers, teen centers, school districts, counselors, etc. all adding their expertise.

OPSAF was created by Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin who was concerned with Orland Park being like other towns across the country — seeing possible problems with heroin use and overdoses.

“Orland Park families had access to a number of different programs but I wanted to bring everyone together so we could combine our efforts and work as a team,” McLaughlin said. “We have a great group with all different backgrounds who are working together to help families facing this problems.”

OPSAF volunteers will host an informational booth at the village’s annual Taste of Orland Park (which will run from Aug. 5 through Aug. 7) at the Village Center.

Finally, September is Substance Recovery Month across the nation. The Orland Park Substance Abuse Forum will host its second annual recovery month event — “A Day of Hope … Because Recovery is Real” — from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sept. 17 at Orland Square mall. This event will include raffles, music, recovery speakers, resource materials, testimonials, and entertainment.