MADISON, Wis. — Addiction is an issue that affects thousands of Wisconsinites on a yearly basis. 

From 2014 to 2021 in Dane County, 749 people died from opioid-related overdoses. 

What You Need To Know

  • From 2014 to 2021 in Dane County, 749 people died from opioid-related overdoses

  • One Dane County man said he has noticed drugs becoming more potent

  • If you have family or friends that are struggling with addiction, it is important that you stick with them during their recovery process

Micheal, who goes by a fake name to protect his identity, said he has lost many friends to drug overdoses. He has struggled with substance use disorder ever since he was a child. He said doctors got him started on opioids.

Micheal’s over-the-counter drug use soon turned into heroin use and to this day he struggles to remain sober. 

“I shouldn’t even be alive right now because of drugs,” said Micheal. “I have overdosed, I have been shot, stabbed, I have had injuries that have gone septic and almost killed me.” 

(Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)

Over the years, he has noticed drugs becoming more potent. He has also watched many of his friends die because of the high potency of the drugs being sold on the streets. 

“A lot of times, some real weak stuff will look like some real strong stuff, the white fentanyl stuff,” said Micheal. “They will make a substitute white drug that they think is the strong stuff and it’s not, it is the weak stuff.” 

This often leads many substance users to overdose. It’s something that Kenny Smith, the night manager at the Men’s Drop-in Shelter in Madison, deals with every day.

“This year, I have been here for three years… this year has scared me. I have never seen this many overdoses,” said Smith. 

Smith works from midnight to 7 a.m. During that time, residents at the shelter are sleeping, which means Smith has to stay on his toes and listen closely to people’s breathing. 

(Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)

“When you hear someone having a hard time breathing, that means they are going through it,” said Smith. “You have minutes to react to that and try to get 911 on the phone and get them here as fast as possible.” 

Watching someone overdose can be a very traumatic experience. Thanks to Smith’s training and the tools that are offered at the Men’s Drop-in Shelter, he has brought back four people this year. 

“We get the training that we need from our company Porchlight every year,” said Smith. “We stay diligent, up-to-date on everything and we just try to take on our challenges.” 

Despite how emotionally taxing it is to be in this line of work, Smith said he does it because he understands how important it is. 

“To see these people get up every morning and have a good morning when they walk out of here, that puts a smile on my face,” said Smith. 

Smith said if you have family or friends that are struggling with addiction, it is important that you stick with them during their recovery process. 

Below is a list of some recovery services available in Dane County: