Every day 128 people in the country die from overdosing on opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This makes it the leading cause of injury related death in the United States.
While numbers are not out for 2019 and 2020, local experts say the opioid crisis remains high, especially with the coronavirus pandemic changing the world.
Tony Dulaney is a survivor living in recovery and hopes his journey will inspire others to not give up.
"I overdosed the first time and you would think that would stop somebody but....I just kept going at it," said Dulaney.
In the shadows of Central Texas is a crisis not often discussed, the misuse of opioids including prescription pain relievers, heroin and more.
Dulaney knows first hand what it's like to overdose and struggle for over a decade to get to where he is now.
"I would go to jail and and say 'I am never going to do this again and it would take three days or three hours and I would be back doing it again," said Dulaney.
Recent CDC data shows there were over 67,000 drug overdose deaths reported in 2018, the problem with that number is that not all deaths are recorded, meaning the crisis is bigger than data shows.
"If someone dies or goes into respiratory depression from and opioid overdose...it will just be respiratory depression and there will not be a toxicology report. So its hard for us to justify a need in our county without accurate numbers," said Richard Bradshaw with Central Texas Harm Reduction.
Bradshaw hits the streets to pass out recovery options and resources to those who do not know where they can find them.
"Even over the last year of being involved on the front lines...it's increasingly worse," said Brashshaw.
He says it's about continuing to provide support. Dulaney is also on the front lines and uses his own story to show others there is hope.
"There is a way out of this, I still have scars that are healing from 18 months ago and not only am I sober but I am happy," said Dulaney.
He has been sober since April 12th, 2019 and hopes to continue motivating others to push themselves and change their lives.
For anyone who like support or know of someone who does, help is right here in McLennan County.
On Monday, August 31, multiple organizations including VASA and Central Texas Harm Reduction are hosting an event from 1pm to 6pm at 2220 Austin Avenue. They will provide free narcan kits, referrals for family counseling and much more.
Baylor University is also stepping in to raise overdose awareness. They are hosting 2 virtual sessions about overdose reversal. They will take place at 10am and 3pm. You can register for the classes HERE.
"Narcan is capable of saving lives and so we are really excited that we get to be ahead of the game." said Lilly Ettinger, Assistant Director of Wellness at Baylor University.
