In 2017, Ohio had the second highest rate of drug overdose deaths involving opioids in the U.S. with more that 4,293 reported deaths that year, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
One drug treatment center in the Cincinnati area, called First Step Home Inc., is trying to help families break the cycle of addiction. The organization, nestled in Walnut Hills, runs a unique women's only substance abuse treatment center that allows children, up to the age of 12, to live with their mothers who are undergoing drug treatment. Most of the moms coming to First Step Home Inc. are fighting an addiction to opioids.
As part of their Child Resilience Program, First Step Home Inc. administrators say the kids are eligible for specialized medical, behavioral and psychological intervention services, including child therapy, speech pathology and other support services.
Cincinnati Edition talks with Margo Spence, President and CEO of First Step Home Inc., and Jennifer Heofle, First Step Home Inc's maternal services coordinator about the benefits of treating moms alongside their children. In addition, a mom in their drug treatment program will join the discussion to talk about her experiences being treated alongside her child.
Listen to Cincinnati Edition live at noon M-F. Audio for this segment will be uploaded after 4 p.m. ET.
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