Emergency Room physician Stephen Holtsford recently shared his experience helping patients with opioid use disorder at the Kane County Sheriff (Don Kramer) Opioid Epidemic lecture series and forum at the Aurora Public Library.
Several years ago Dr. Holtsford saw the opioid crisis getting worse and wanted to help solve the problem. He treats patients part-time for opioid use disorder on an outpatient basis. He said it’s the most rewarding work he’s ever done.
In 2016, 64,000 individuals died from overdose in the U.S.. That’s more than by car crashes or gun violence. He stated addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a moral failure.
Joining Dr. Holtsford was Robert Chapman of the Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center in Aurora, Kane County Coroner Robert Russell, and Kane County Sheriff’s office Opioid Task Force members.
Jason Crane/The Voice