ROBERT KANTER OFFERS HOPE TO FAMILIES AFFECTED BY OPIOID EPIDEMIC

Robert Kanter, International Recovery Advocate and Legislative Activist, is hopeful over the recent groundbreaking 26 billion dollar settlement reached by 3 of the largest opioid drug distributors in America and manufacturer Johnson and Johnson. Most of the money will go toward addiction treatment in communities hardest hit by the opioid epidemic. He is honest and authentic as he recounts his own personal recovery from substances and that of his daughter's, who recently celebrated 3 years of recovery from opioids. Mr. Kanter describes the desperation he felt as the parent of a child with Opioid Use Disorder and how her struggles became the genesis of his advocacy work. He talks about learning how to connect with her in a loving way , using a de-stigmatized approach based on harm reduction, which ultimately led to her entering treatment. He speaks to parents of children suffering from Opioid Use Disorder, advising them to do research in order to arm themselves with tools and information. He offers 3 websites that can help families navigate treatment services and build a community of support. By learning how to navigate the system, parents can access available life-saving resources and tools. Mr. Kanter describes the Family Support Services for Addiction Act of 2021, legislation that he helped establish. He comments on his latest article in Psychology Today, Commitment Yields Success in 12-Step Programs, which explains what someone needs to do to fully recover from Substance Use Disorder. He offers advice to people struggling with Opioid Use Disorder and their families. Robert Kanter is deeply passionate and personal as he offers help, hope and inspiration for people affected by the opioid epidemic.