Wellness Watch is a health information and advice column from OhioHealth.
Addiction is a treatable medical condition — not a character flaw. By breaking down stigma and improving access to care and education, local experts are proving that recovery is possible, and that help is within reach.
Understanding addiction as a disease
Substance use disorder is a medical condition that changes how the brain works, yet it remains widely misunderstood.
“We frequently see misconceptions related to stigma and judgement of individuals with substance use disorders,” said Hailey Sprouse, registered nurse, clinical manager for OhioHealth Addiction Medicine in Athens.
“The idea that ‘addiction is a choice’ or that people with substance use disorder lack willpower is common,” said Sprouse. “It’s important for everyone to understand that addiction is not a character flaw — it’s a brain disease that requires treatment, just as diabetes or heart disease does.”
What recovery really looks like
Recognizing the signs of substance use disorder early can save lives and prevent long-term damage.
“Early detection and intervention lead to better outcomes in almost all diseases,” Sprouse said. “Substance use disorders are no different.”
Recovery is not a single moment, but a daily process that touches every part of a person’s life. OhioHealth addiction medicine physician Dr. Christopher Meyer explains what this journey involves.
“Recovery means living free from the control of drugs or alcohol and taking care of daily responsibilities,” said Dr. Meyer.
Navigating the path to wellness often means using all available tools, including medication.
“We have medicines that can help people quit tobacco, alcohol and opioid use. For opioid addiction, treatments like Suboxone, methadone, and naltrexone can help patients stay in recovery and avoid serious health issues,” explained Dr. Meyer.
However, recovery is about more than finding the right medication. Many people also require counseling, and attendance at mutual support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can be helpful, according to Dr. Meyer.
Staying engaged and active is also important.
“Studies show that folks who find employment and who return to the workforce do better,” said Dr. Meyer. “People who struggle with alcohol or drugs spend inordinate amounts of time using those substances and when gone there is a void left behind that needs [to be] filled with healthy choices like exercise, hobbies, travel and service work.”
How to recognize and respond to an overdose
An overdose can happen anywhere. Knowing the warning signs is crucial for a timely and effective response.
“An individual seemingly passed out and unarousable is a key indicator,” said Dr. Meyer.
Quick action can save a life. It is critical to know exactly what to do.
“During an overdose, call 911, attempt to wake the person, use naloxone if it’s available and if not, begin CPR,” said Dr. Meyer.
Naloxone, more commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is often the first line of defense.
“Providing intranasal Narcan is a game-changing life saver and the first line of treatment for unarousable individuals suffering with suspected opioid overdose followed by calling 911,” Dr. Meyer emphasized.
Hope close to home
For those in the Athens area seeking help, specialized addiction care is more accessible than ever. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, OhioHealth is changing how patients in Southeast Ohio receive support, both inside and outside of the hospital.
The program features a dedicated addiction medicine team, including a nurse practitioner who meets with patients hospitalized at O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, offering immediate care and treatment planning.
A substance use navigator serves out in the community, connecting with individuals at local spots like libraries or departments of Job and Family Services and is even able to link people to telehealth appointments on the spot. Rounding out the team are clinic-based addiction medicine physicians who support the medical needs of people with substance use disorders beyond the hospital setting.
This unique model is designed to meet people where they are—removing barriers to care and making help easier to access.
The addiction consult service funded through HRSA is new to O’Bleness Hospital and adds a specialty service that was previously lacking,” said Dr. Meyer. “The team greatly expands resources available in the Athens community.”
Progress may not happen overnight, but consistent community support brings hope one day at a time.
“We don’t make a difference with every patient, but we make a difference every day,” said Dr. Meyer.
From life-saving interventions to daily support, the local community is proving that hope and recovery go hand in hand. With compassion, resources and understanding, people struggling with addiction do not have to face it alone.
