Sunday, March 1, 2026
Addiction: A Rural Reality

Addiction: A Rural Reality

Learn more about actions individuals, organizations and local, state or federal governments can take to help stop the opioid crisis.

It would be nice if we could simply stop using opioids, but it's more complicated than that. Learn more about when opioid therapy should be utilized.
The tall clock tower and looming white pillars of the Lawrence County, Pennsylvania Courthouse stands tall against the cloudy sky as another day in Drug Court begins.

As opioid addiction spread nationwide, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, found itself caught in the epidemic’s grip. Learn how it began and what's being done.

Learn how the medical field played a role in the spread of the opioid epidemic and the astonishing facts that plague our communities today.
A diverse group of people sit and talk during a group counseling session.

In rural counties, detoxification and rehabilitation centers can be scarce. Learn more about how to get help in Guernsey, Huron and Lawrence counties.
Here a patient is given Methadone, one of the replacement treatment options for people with an opioid addiction.

There is no one-size-fits-all opioid substance use treatment strategy. But for any treatment to work, it must include ongoing counseling and support.

The opioid epidemic is costing communities big bucks. From private businesses to county governments, on down to the individual, no one is untouched.

Following his own recovery, Jon Black works to disrupt the deadly cycle of opioid addiction by dedicating himself to sobriety and counseling others.
Pills, Fentynal Powder, and Heroin syringe sit on a table

Addiction: A Rural Reality shares stories from three rural counties with high rates of overdose deaths. Get the facts and figures behind our coverage.
A man, David Stanley, stands holding his parents photo, behind him the wall is filled with other family photos. .

David Stanley fought to get his life back, knowing it would be his last chance to recover. However, his battle with opioid addiction ended in September.