Originally Published: Detroit News
Client: Grace Centers of Hope

Weiss: Overdose epidemic is a crisis of despair

Darin Weiss

Across America, including in Michigan, young adults are facing a growing epidemic: rising overdose deaths, addiction and an increased demand for rehabilitation services.

The growing mortality rate among young adults in the U.S. tells a troubling story, one in which overdose plays a significant role. This is not merely a crisis of substance use disorder; it’s a crisis of despair.A study in JAMA Network Open found that the rate of excess deaths among people ages 25 to 44 has nearly tripled since 1999. In 2023, drug poisoning accounted for nearly a third of these deaths, followed by natural causes, transport-related deaths, alcohol-related deaths and homicide.

Suicide is another mounting concern. In 2022, it was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming more than 49,000 lives. Meanwhile, drug overdose deaths have nearly quadrupled since 2003, rising to 32.6 from 8.9 per 100,000 people by 2022. Even with a slight dip in recent years, the numbers remain staggering.

At Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, we witness these realities daily. Men and women from across Metro Detroit and beyond come to us to reclaim their lives from addiction and hopelessness. A striking shift has taken place: 56% of all residents we serve are ages 25 to 44 — and among women, it’s 69%. If we include those as young as 18, those figures rise to 60% and 73%.

This demographic trend reflects broader issues, such as the opioid crisis and job insecurity, that fuel feelings of hopelessness and drive addiction. According to the 2022–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Michigan’s rate of past-month illicit drug use (20.56%) and substance use disorders (18.13%) exceeds the national average. Often, addiction is coupled with untreated mental illness, compounding the challenge.At Grace Centers, despite increasing our men’s program by 38 beds last year, we still have a waitlist every day for men seeking our program’s help. Women in need of support, including many with children, are also seeking help at high rates, and often must be waitlisted due to high demand.

Ask any group how many people know someone who has overdosed, and most hands will rise. This epidemic doesn’t discriminate by geography, income or faith. Despair is the common denominator.

So, how do we fix it?

Addiction recovery isn’t only about abstaining from substances; it’s about rediscovering purpose. Without purpose, people begin to see themselves as useless. That sense of worthlessness fuels despair, which leads to depression, addiction, and in too many cases, death.

At Grace Centers of Hope, our mission goes beyond shelter and recovery services. We aim to instill purpose, value, and dignity in every individual. Real transformation happens when people believe they matter and have something to live for. Volunteers play a crucial role in that process. When they give their time, talents, and resources, it sends a powerful message to those we serve: You are worth my time. You have value.

People often ask me how they can help. The answer is to be active, not just reactive. Giving money to someone panhandling may feel like compassion, but true impact comes from engaging with organizations that work at the root of the problem. Support these groups intentionally and consistently.

To confront this crisis of despair, we need more than sympathy — we need action. Communities, policymakers, and faith-based organizations must come together to offer solutions rooted in both compassion and accountability. Economic opportunity, mental health support and access to quality rehabilitation are all essential. But at the core, we must help people find purpose.

That calling isn’t just for those struggling. It’s for all of us — to stay connected, to give intentionally, and to be part of the solution. If we do that, we can replace despair with hope and prevent more young lives from being lost.

Darin Weiss is CEO of Pontiac-based nonprofit Grace Centers of Hope.

Read the full article here.