Overdoses are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States, with nearly 108,000 people dying from a drug-involved overdose in 2022 alone*, nearly 82,000 of those being opioid-related deaths. To target this urgent issue of opioid misuse, Quest Counseling & Consulting, a Reno-based behavioral health agency, launched its Youth Opioid Intervention Program (YOIP) with the specific goal of reducing overdoses and opioid misuse among individuals aged 13 to 24 in the Reno community.
Quest Counseling is a full-service behavioral health agency with a mission to provide comprehensive, caring, and quality behavioral health treatment to each client and family seeking services. Quest has been serving the northern Nevada Community for more than 20 years while adapting to community needs.
According to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office, there have been 169 drug-related deaths in the first 6 months of 2024. Of these deaths, 84 individuals lost their lives due to fentanyl use or drugs contaminated with fentanyl. As a community, we are likely to see this number continue to increase and surpass the 360 individuals that lost their battle to addiction in 2023.
Too often, these individuals are viewed solely through the lens of their addiction, rather than as people who have experienced significant trauma. We can help remove harmful stereotypes, empowering individuals to heal and recover without the burden of judgment. The Youth Opioid Intervention Program not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for lasting recovery and healthier futures.
By connecting patients with effective treatment options, the program seeks to prevent future substance-related emergency room visits and promote long-term recovery. Quest’s approach includes comprehensive assessment and screening to identify needs, access to basic necessities, and connections to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) when necessary. Quest’s staff emphasizes the importance of peer recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation to foster lasting change. Additionally, YOIP staff distributes Narcan and provides education on its use to empower individuals and their families in emergency situations. The team focuses on tailored discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition to ongoing care and support.
Quest believes that every person deserves the support, respect, and resources necessary to foster meaningful change. This program serves as a foundation for transformation, creating opportunities for those served to reclaim their lives and contribute positively to society. Change truly starts with every team member, every interaction, and every service provided —giving individuals the opportunity not only to improve their lives but also to inspire a ripple effect of hope and strength throughout our community.
For more information about Quest or the Youth Opioid Intervention Program, please visit questreno.com.
Sources: *National Institute on Drug Abuse
*Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office: Quarterly Drug-related Deaths in Washoe County.
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