Caz’s Fight Against the Overdose Epidemic

The overdose epidemic in Western New York has continued to grow at an alarming rate. In recent years, the number of overdose-related deaths has surged, particularly due to the increasing presence of fentanyl in the drug supply. In 2023, Erie County reported 436 overdose deaths, up from 379 in 2022. Fentanyl has become a leading cause of these fatalities, as it has now been found laced in other substances, so individuals use it without being aware. Additionally, non-fatal overdoses are on the rise, with 458 reports in just the first half of 2024, many of which involved the use of naloxone to reverse the effects. The opioid crisis in Niagara County has also seen a significant rise in both fatal and non-fatal overdoses. In 2022, the region recorded 101 opioid-related deaths, up from 86 in 2021, continuing an alarming trend. This data underscores the urgent need for continued harm reduction efforts and community-wide interventions to address this crisis. It is important to note that, unlike the national trend of declining overdose deaths, Western New York has not experienced a similar decrease, which highlights the region’s ongoing challenges in battling the opioid crisis.

The Caz Approach to Overdoes Prevention

At Caz Recovery, we understand that the overdose crisis in Western New York is bigger than ever, especially with the rise of fentanyl-laced drugs. Our team—Ed Cichon, Vice President of Advocacy, Communications, and DEI, Angela Angora, CASAC 2, Director of Reintegration, and Briana Petersdorf, MS, Master CASAC, Director of Clinical Services—offered their unique perspectives on the challenges posed by the overdose epidemic and the solutions we’re implementing. Together, along with the dedicated Caz community, they are committed to keeping our residents safe while providing the tools, education, and support needed to navigate recovery.

As Briana Petersdorf explained, “Education is really key—you need to know what’s out there and how deadly and dangerous it is.” We make sure that from the day residents arrive, they are equipped with life-saving tools like Narcan kits and educated about fentanyl test strips. “Nobody leaves the program without a Narcan kit in hand,” Briana added.

Briana Petersdorf, MS, Master CASAC, Director of Clinical Services

Angela Angora shared how Caz integrates harm reduction into its approach: “We always try to work under a harm reduction model. Even if we can’t get someone to completely abstain, we give them all the tools to be educated. If they’re going to use, this is how to do it in the safest manner possible.” This approach includes teaching residents about Narcan and providing access to test strips to help them stay safe.

Addressing New Drug Dangers

The opioid epidemic continues to evolve. Recently, Erie County has seen a spike in cocaine overdoses, many of which are linked to fentanyl contamination. Ed Cichon emphasized the importance of staying ahead of these trends: “We talk about the different kinds of drugs… Fentanyl is often mixed in cocaine, so people who’ve used cocaine for years are suddenly overdosing on opioids without realizing it.” Angela added, “It’s really important to stay transparent. We let residents know if there’s been an increase in overdoses in specific areas, like South Buffalo, so they can be extra cautious.”

Ed Cichon, Vice President of Advocacy, Communications, and DEI

Wellness in Recovery

At Caz, we look at a person as a whole and as such we also believe that physical and mental wellness are integral to staying on the path to recovery. “Exercise leads to a dopamine increase, and if you’re exercising, you’re taking care of your mental health, which hopefully addresses future use,” said Briana, reflecting on the positive impact of fitness programs at Caz. In addition to exercise, we’ve begun piloting a contingency management program, which rewards residents for positive steps in their recovery. This focus on wellness helps our residents find meaning and joy in being substance-free. Angela summed it up perfectly: “If we can help people find meaning and purpose in their recovery, they may be less likely to return to old behaviors.”

Angela Angora, CASAC 2, Director of Reintegration

Looking Forward: Advocacy and Harm Reduction

While the fight against overdose continues, we know that there is more to be done. As Briana pointed out, “It seems like this issue is still on the back burner. I don’t think people understand how big of a crisis it is.” At Caz, we’re committed to being on the frontlines, working with local partners to stay informed, educate our community, and ultimately saving lives. By providing tools, education, and a focus on wellness, Caz is doing its part to combat the overdose epidemic and help residents build lasting lives in recovery.