Opinion: Narcan alone won't end addiction crisis. We need need more long-term treatment.

MaryBeth Cichocki is a Delaware anti-addiction advocate who lost her son, Matt, to an overdose.

Substance use disorder, commonly known as “addiction," is identified by the American Psychiatric Association as a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. 

People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an uncontrollable intense focus on using certain substances such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. Research recommends that each individual experiencing substance use disorder be evaluated by a qualified professional to identify the potential existence of any accompanying psychiatric illnesses or mental health conditions.

Handing out Narcan — a nasal spray that can reverse an overdose —  is a very temporary, ineffective fix.  Delaware must recognize the need for comprehensive treatment beds that are available 24/7. Although Narcan is a life-saving drug, providing it without immediate available detox and treatment is nothing more than plugging a dam with a stick.  

Our overdose death rate continues to climb, yet Delaware continues to deny our lack of support for those in need of immediate treatment. Advocates continue to fight a broken system while parents continue to bury their children. 

More from this author:

Mother who lost son to overdose pleads for better treatments

When a drug overdose kills your child, this is what it does to your life

Physicians helped create the opioid crisis. They can help end it

Delaware ranks number eight in the United States for death by overdose. The most common cause is prescribed opioids, followed by heroin. As of today, 271 Delawareans have lost their lives as a result of substance abuse disorder. Yet we have no improvements in how we handle this crisis.  

Handing out Narcan, like providing Methadone, is not a solution without getting to the root of the abuse by providing comprehensive treatment combined with mental health care with continued support after treatment.  

Until our state changes the way it handles the epidemic, my phone will continue to ring as mothers beg for help to save the lives of their addicted children. Until then, Delaware will continue to rank in the top ten in the nation.  

The top ten for football is fantastic. For overdose deaths, it’s a disgrace.