ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s best known as the hotline taking calls when people are exposed to harmful chemicals or poison. The New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center is now encouraging New Mexicans to call them about how to tackle drug abuse.
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It is a growing problem that the state’s poison control experts say they’re ready to help address. The center is now pushing people to call for help dealing with illicit drug use. “The thing that surprised me is that as bad as the addiction is in the state, I thought we would be flooded with phone calls,” said Dr. Brandon J. Warrick, Assoc. Medical Director., NM Poison & Drug Info Center., University of New Mexico Health System.
Headquartered at the University of New Mexico, the state’s Poison and Drug Information Center has been taking calls on drug abuse since the pandemic.
Originally the move was meant to just help hospitals but since then they’ve gotten more calls from the public. “We get called from loved ones who are concerned over a family member or someone close to them who may be struggling with substance use or street drugs,” said Bonnin.
In response, the center has added more staff. They have 12 pharmacists working with an addiction physician to help answer substance abuse questions 24/7 and work to get callers connected with treatment through primary care doctors.
“Somebody is getting started on Suboxone, has a question, and their doctor’s office is closed or things aren’t going the way they expected, or 101 different ways around this how do we get some help and here’s a way we can help them,” said Dr. Warrick.
The State Department of Health believes a New Mexican dies of a drug overdose every 8.5 hours. Right now, the center takes around 200 yearly calls about drug abuse but they say they have the staff to deal with many more. “Don’t wait for another day or another time. Make it now. If you don’t call us, please call somebody,” said Dr. Warrick.
The New Mexico’s Poison and Drug Information Center believes it’s the only one of its kind in the country to take calls about drug abuse. A $55,000 federal grant is helping the center advertise its expanded services.