Alabama's Overdose Crisis: Progress & Challenges

0:00It's April 3rd. This is Birmingham News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Overdose deaths in Alabama dropped 30 percent, from 2024 to 2025. That's big news for the state, but emergency rooms are still packed with overdose cases that don't end in death. State Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell points out they're seeing fewer fatalities overall. He had folks keep rolling into ERs, mostly from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. These drugs are hitting hard nationwide, keeping hospitals on their toes. Survivors often wake up confused and in withdrawal, not even knowing what hit them. Assistant Director Danny Sims from Birmingham's Recovery Resource Center shares her own story, she's beaten overdoses herself. Many art ready for treatment right away, which leaves them vulnerable. Without quick support, these folks risk overdosing again. That's where places like the Recovery Resource Center step in, linking survivors to peer counselors and recovery steps.

1:04Alabama's making progress, but the fights far from over-connecting people to help could turn the tide for good.