Officer Eric Adams: Senator Hassan’s 2020 State of the Union Guest is on the Front Lines of the Opioid Crisis
By Officer Eric Adams, Laconia Police Department
When the President delivers his State of the Union address, Officer Adams will be in the House chamber as Senator Hassan’s guest of honor. Officer Adams is on the front lines of combating the substance misuse crisis in New Hampshire, an issue that is a top priority for Senator Hassan.
After working for years as a corrections officer at New Hampshire’s state prison and then as an undercover police officer in narcotics stings, I realized that law enforcement needed a new approach to fight the substance misuse epidemic in our country.
Too often in my work, I saw just one bad decision alter the course of someone’s life. These people were of all ages, came from all occupations, and were from different economic classes. The opioid epidemic shows mercy to no one.
So in 2014, I began my current role as Laconia Police Department’s Prevention, Enforcement and Treatment Coordinator. This position is unique — not only because it was the first of its kind in New England — but also because it allows me, as a law enforcement officer, to meet people where they are at and help them get the support they need to overcome their substance misuse.
My business card reads, “The Laconia Police Department recognizes that substance misuse is a disease. We understand you can’t fight this alone.” And I believe that — nobody should have to endure substance misuse without support.
That’s why I try to make connections with people struggling with addiction. I respond to overdose calls in the hopes of persuading a survivor to seek treatment. I call those who agree to keep in touch with me at least once a week. I work with them and their families to ensure that they have everything from a roof over their heads to a spot at a treatment facility.
In 2019, there were 49 overdoses in Laconia. The year prior, there were 109. Despite this promising change, we must continue to find innovative ways to combat this crisis.
This year, I’m joining Senator Hassan at the President’s State of the Union Address. As Governor and now as Senator, she has supported those on the front lines of this crisis. I’m excited to use this opportunity to bring attention to the importance of substance misuse recovery programs and highlight how Laconia has helped redefine how to help those struggling with addiction.
Together, we can overcome this devastating epidemic.
If you or someone you know in New Hampshire needs help, you can call the state’s 2–1–1 hotline. You can also contact the national helpline at 1–800–662-HELP (4357).
