For those in the region who are dealing with an addiction to opioids or prescription drugs, the Norton Sound Health Corporation in Nome has its own Behavioral Health Services Unit to help clients with various addiction issues and the recovery process.
Spencer Cook, a clinician who works in this unit for NSHC, has seen many people in different stages of the addiction and recovery process.
“You know, a lot of times, people are in that ‘honeymoon’ phase; they’re feeling great, and they’re like: ‘Oh, I’m cured,’ ’cause they feel great, they’ve gone a few weeks without having anything, and that’s when relapse sets back in, and so, it really does take a lot of effort on the individual’s part.”
Cook talked to KNOM about what services are available in Nome for those struggling with opioid addiction and how to assist those who are seeking help in the recovery process. This is the second profile in a series on opioids in western Alaska.
Opioids in Western Alaska series:
