Carr Launches Dose of Reality to Combat Opioid Abuse in Georgia

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Thursday, March 15th, 2018

Attorney General Chris Carr announced the launch of Georgia Dose of Reality, the Statewide Opioid Task Force’s new weapon in the fight against the opioid crisis. Dose of Reality is a statewide marketing campaign designed to raise awareness and to encourage community action.

“Georgia’s prescription and illicit opioid problem threatens citizens in every region of our state,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “The Georgia Department of Law, in conjunction with our partners on the Statewide Opioid Task Force, is sharing Dose of Reality to increase awareness about the dangers of opioid abuse and misuse and to let Georgians know that if they are battling this crisis in their own homes, they are not alone. Our office will continue working on this issue until there are no more tears, no more funerals and no more heartaches as a result of this modern day plague.”

Deaths and hospitalizations from overdoses are increasing, and four out of five heroin addicts start by abusing prescription opioids. Ending the scourge of opioid abuse will take an all-in effort, and the Dose of Reality site will help in that effort. We hope Georgians will use the site to find out how they can do their part in preventing opioid abuse in Georgia. The multi-faceted website provides in-depth informational support for healthcare personnel, students, parents, businesses, educators, coaches, caregivers and seniors.

Other tabs walk visitors through the dangers associated with opioid abuse and best practices for safe acquisition, appropriate use, safe storage and safe disposal. In fact, the site will provide visitor's with access to an interactive Drug Take Back map that will help them find the closet disposal box to them. And, for those who are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, Dose of Reality also aims to serve as a conduit for treatment options.

In addition, those looking to take action can hold outreach events dedicated to raising awareness. Dose of Reality offers a number of suggestions for these events, including information tables, ideas for poster or video contests, community sporting events, town halls and drug take back events. Interested parties can order and download Dose of Reality materials from the Ordering Portal free-of-charge.

Dose of Reality

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel originally launched Dose of Reality in 2015. After learning of Wisconsin’s success with the platform, Attorney General Carr adopted the vision for Georgia.