Connection Beats Addiction

A red stop sign with a hand symbol in the center, surrounded by various words related to opioid addiction and prevention, emphasizing the message to stop the start of opioid addiction.

A colorful puzzle graphic divided into four sections labeled 'physical,' 'emotional,' 'mental,' and 'spiritual,' with the phrases 'Connection' at the top and 'Beats Addiction' at the bottom.

The Town of Vernon kicked off its "Connecticut Beats Addiction" campaign to prevent opioid abuse during Vernon's annual National Night Out event on Aug. 6, 2024. 

Two giants of mixed martial arts, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira, were on hand to support the program and to greet fans.

Vernon's opioid initiative, which focuses on treatment, intervention, helping families affected by opioids, drug take back events, harm reduction, developing positive connections and working with the Vernon Public Schools, is supported by funds distributed to municipalities from opioid litigation.

“Our goals with this program are simple,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “We want to help people avoid opioids, help people with substance use disorder connect with treatment, and save the lives of those who continue to struggle.”

Understanding the crisis

Opioid use disorder is a substance use disorder that involves the misuse of prescribed and/or illicit opioid medications. Opioid use disorder is typically a chronic, relapsing illness associated with increased rates of overdose deaths.

Examples of opioids include codeine, heroin, oxycontin, percocet and fentanyl.

Treatment options

There is more than one pathway to treatment.

  • Behavioral health counseling is available for those struggling with substance abuse disorder who not want to use medications.

  • Outpatient treatment is where doctors can prescribe buprenorphine, methadone, or suboxone for at home treatment.

  • Inpatient treatment combines  medication assisted treatment with behavioral counseling for a "whole patient" approach.

Substance Abuse Resources for Individuals and Families in Vernon