Runnin'

Nearly 50,000 Americans per year are dying from opioid overdoses. That’s a big number that highlights the need to educate drug users, support those with addiction, prevent drug use disorders, and advocate for better treatment and legislation. But numbers sometimes aren’t as persuasive as stories that bring the opioid epidemic close to home. Today, I went to a screening of Runnin’ — a film about a circle of friends in Somerville who struggled with addiction until it took most of their lives. The screening was hosted by the City of Somerville and it was followed by a panel discussion on prevention, treatment and other responses.