TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – A local behavioral health agency is on the front lines fighting to end the opioid crisis, with counselors working to save one life at a time. One of their social workers is sharing her own personal story of how addiction has touched her life.
New Concepts Clinical Chief Officer Jacque Caro sits at her desk, going over treatment plans for some of her clients. There are uplifting messages on the walls to motivate anyone who walks into her office, and a picture of the love of her life on her desk.
Caro and her husband understand addiction firsthand.
“He has 14 years of recovery from opiates himself. He was recovered before we met, but the journey continues throughout your lifetime,” Caro said.
They have been married for eight years.
“This is a biological disease. It is in your genetic makeup. It doesn’t necessarily go away when you stop using. There are different things you have to do throughout your life to keep that part of your biology in check and redirect some of those thoughts and behaviors so you aren’t using and ultimately stay alive,” Caro said.
An addiction that doesn’t discriminate, Caro says the epidemic is fueled by prescription drug abuse, among other illegal drugs.
“You’re talking about prescription medications for one. You’re also talking about heroin. You’re talking about fentanyl, which is a prescription medication, but it is finding itself in so many things,” Caro said.
There is positive news. Lucas County has seen a dip in overdose deaths. In 2023, Lucas County had 309 overdose fatalities. The number dropped to 223 in 2024.
“These overdoses in fentanyl. It’s not just in heroin. We’re seeing it in marijuana and cocaine and methamphetamines. So it’s getting there. It’s getting there and it kills people quickly and tragically,” Caro said.
Caro said that for those battling opioid addiction, recovery isn’t easy and is tough on families. But she says every therapy session and step forward is a reminder that you can make it.
“There’s hope, there’s hope and it’s possible. I live it every day,” Caro said.
Latest Local News | First Alert Weather | Crime | National | 13abc Originals
Copyright 2025 WTVG. All rights reserved.
