A New Jersey radio host used a portion of his show Wednesday to raise awareness about the shocking number of drug overdose deaths that have occurred in his state since the pandemic began.
New Jersey 101.5 FM’s Bill Spadea spoke to treatment specialist Daniel Regan, a recovery addict himself, who now helps other people get clean.
“This problem is growing,” said Regan. “The statistics that just came out indicate that 90,000 people in the year 2020 died from drug addiction.”
According to the New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office, 3046 residents suffered a fatal overdose last year.
Regan said the crisis in New Jersey continues to get worse and that the pandemic was catastrophic for many addicts. He said many relapsed and fatally overdosed or ended up committing suicide.
“We know the opposite of addiction is connection,” said Regan. “When we went into lockdown there was nothing for people to really connect to.”
The radio station is partnering with Regan’s employer, CFC Recovery, to host a fundraiser at the stage in Seaside Heights on Saturday September 25 at Grant Avenue for the Rock the Farm Festival.
You can learn more about this event by clicking this link.
