Take Back My Life is an initiative of the Frederick County Health Department aimed at expanding awareness of the risks associated with opioid use, while supporting families and empowering individuals on a path of health and recovery.
These videos present real people in the Frederick area who have experienced opioid use disorder — either their own or those of family members. They’re sharing their stories in hopes of saving other lives and households from the pain and heartbreak they’ve suffered. Their stories provide hope and encouragement for a brighter tomorrow.
Does Branden’s, Michelle’s, Pam’s or Bradley’s story sound similar to yours? Do you use pain pills or heroin to escape from traumatic childhood experiences or those experienced as an adult? Did you first get hooked to prescription opioids while healing from an injury? Were you “just having a good time?” Were you simply trying to fit in? You are not alone. These are common paths to opioids taking over someone’s life.
Traumatic childhood experiences are also called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). What are some of the ACEs that we know of?
Which of these ACEs do you have and what problems may they have caused for you? If you have four or more ACEs, then you are at:
This isn’t all. You also are at higher risk for having problems with maintaining a healthy weight or developing COPD, liver disease or heart disease. It can also be harder for you to think through stressful situations, and easier to lose your temper over the littlest of things. This also leads to having more trouble in school and/or keeping a job.
However, there is hope. As you learn in the individual stories shared here, recovery is possible. Others have overcome their addiction and taken back their life. Mental health therapy can help to take back your life from trauma. Substance use treatment can help take back your life from addiction. Recovery supports may provide resources and support that will encourage you. You can connect to these by calling 2-1-1 or 301-600-1755 and asking for the CORE program. You can also reach CORE here.
Frederick County Health Department 350 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702 health.frederickcountymd.gov Phone: 301-600-1029 Fax: 301-600-3111 TTY: MD Relay 800-735-2258
Learn More
Click here to learn more about this program and others offered by the Frederick County Health Department
Resources
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Funding provided by the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration & SAMHSA. 2018
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