While the opioid epidemic continues to grow across southwest Florida, in Lee County overdoses increased by more than 800 percent over the past four years -- that’s according to data from LeeHealth. There is a new trend in efforts to help people struggling with addiction, opioid or otherwise, called Sober Homes. A recent story in the News Press drew our attention to this trend.
These are essentially safe and stable places for people to live, generally led by someone who has struggled with addiction themselves. Most of the ones that have opened up locally are Christian-based, with faith at the core of the message and environment. But, SalusCare has now opened one that’s secular. On today’s show we’re going to learn more about Sober Homes from people who run them, and live in them, as well as a News Press reporter who has covered this trend, and a State Attorney who is working to ensure they are on the up-and-up.
We’re joined by Pastor Mark Hunt from Recovering Lives; one of its residents Amber Boley; Rosemary Bosvert, Recovery Residence Administrator at SalusCare; one of its residents Patricia Yolanda; News Press Social Justice and Services Reporter, Patricia Born; and Dave Aronberg, State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit.
