Cambridge Police Release New Video Series on Opioid Addiction and Recovery

The Cambridge Police Department today unveiled a new mini-video series called “The Journey of a Recovering Opioid Addict.” Intended to help educate residents about the dangers of opioid addiction, the interview-based series consists of seven short 1-2 minute videos. Each video highlights “Tiki,” a former Belmont resident, who shares his journey of addiction and recovery, due in part to the Cambridge Police Department. The series is hosted by Sergeant Louis Cherubino and Director of Communications Jeremy Warnick of the Cambridge Police Department.

Overview of the series:

• Part I – Early Stages & Discovery of Heroin

• Part II – Low Cost of Heroin 

• Part IV – Detox & Relapse 

• Part V – The Last Overdose & Police Support 

• Part VI – The Importance of a Proactive Recovery 

• Part VII – Ask for Help 

“It’s kind of hard when you are in the middle of addiction to look in the mirror and actually see what you have become,” said Tiki. “Having a spoon by your bedside, having a needle there, track marks on your arm, and it to actually become a normal thing… you don’t realize how unhealthy that is. Getting help is the hardest thing and also the most important thing. I didn’t ask the Cambridge Police for help, they came to me. But, you can ask for help.”

“This series of videos is really important to share, as we want to make people aware of how easy it can be to fall into abuse,” said Sergeant Cherubino. “At the same time, we also want to reach people who are seeking help for their illness and encourage them to contact the Cambridge Police or Public Health Department and get the help they need to overcome their addiction.”

Since December 2015, the Cambridge Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit has implemented an overdose intervention and coaching services strategy to combat the opioid epidemic. That intervention includes responding to reported overdoses and conducting follow-ups. Coaching services are provided by detectives and a Licensed Social Worker at the Cambridge Police Department, who assist in working directly with the individual as well as service providers to identify and establish after-care placement and coordinated treatment. The Cambridge Police is currently working with more than 30 service providers, whose treatment services include detox, clinical stabilization services, long-term residential care and intensive outpatient treatment.

For people seeking assistance and resources, they are encouraged to visit the OPEN (Overdose Prevention & Education Network) website for local support and treatment resources - http://odprevention.org/treatment/. The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline is also a valuable one-stop source of information for people who have questions about addiction and/or recovery. Their number and website is (800) 327-5050 and www.helpline-online.com.

The CPD documentary is also available at www.cambridgepolice.org for viewing or downloading.

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The Cambridge Police Department is committed to the enforcement of laws and preservation of order that protect the rights and property of every person within the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of police service and to impact crime, and its associated elements, through the utilization of new and proven crime prevention strategies and problem-solving partnerships with our community.  For more information, follow @CambridgePolice on Twitter, or access the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CambridgePolice.