Erasing the stigma of addiction

Who’s most likely to become addicted to prescription painkillers? Often, the person you least expect. The teen with a sports injury. The construction worker with back pain. Even the grandmother who misreads a medicine bottle.

“No one is immune to this,” says Kelley Nahas, administrative coordinator of Families Against Narcotics, which works to raise awareness about prescription drug abuse and erase the stigma of addiction. “It’s surprising how quickly people can go from functioning well in life to being overwhelmed by addiction.”

The Fraser-based nonprofit sponsors free presentations for Michigan high schools and hosts more than 30 monthly meetings across the state to support recovery. Its signature program, Hope Not Handcuffs, matches individuals struggling with addiction with appropriate treatment options.

First State Bank commends Families Against Narcotics for shedding light on this problem and offering hope to those affected by it. To support the organization’s work, we’re donating $5,000, the first of six planned gifts to Macomb County nonprofits this year.

Thank you for making a difference!

To learn more about Families Against Narcotics or to donate, please visit www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org.