A step in the right direction, after 33 years

GLEN BURNIE, Maryland—”Junior” has battled addiction for decades, costing him his friends, family and even his teeth.

From prescription painkillers ‘straight to heroin’

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland—Randy Forgette has struggled with addiction for many years, and said he finds relief from drugs while incarcerated.

The missing half: Twins both have heroin addiction, but just one survives

PASADENA, Maryland—Denise Williams’s twin sons, Matt and Ryan, were both addicted to heroin, and the drug took one of their lives. The other twin lives each day with the agony of survival.

Fostering new hope: Family adopts three boys all born to addicted mothers

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland—The opioid epidemic touches countless lives, including many who are born into addiction. They are often placed into the foster care system. The Rentfrow family has three adopted sons, all of whom were affected by heroin abuse.

Road to recovery: Jail provides methadone to inmates with addiction

GLEN BURNIE, Maryland—Not many jails have methadone clinics inside their walls, but through the Road to Recovery program at Ordnance Road Correctional Center, inmates with opioid addictions can receive treatment while incarcerated.

Like mother, like son: Parent, child both addicted to heroin

GLEN BURNIE, Maryland—The opioid epidemic has affected people throughout Anne Arundel County. For this family, both mother and son are suffering with heroin addiction.

Testing the poison: Chemists allow ‘evidence to speak for itself’

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Maryland—As part of their role in the justice system, forensic chemists are using laboratory tests to identify fentanyl and other opioids.

Samantha’s journey: Rehabilitation center houses mothers and their children

CROWNSVILLE, Maryland—Samantha Griebel is recovering from opioid addiction, after using heroin throughout her pregnancy. Thanks to Chrysalis House, a rehabilitation center that allows mothers to live with their children, Griebel regained custody of her daughter and could raise her child while living a life of sobriety.

On the call: Some fire stations see high demand for naloxone

BROOKLYN PARK, Maryland—The Anne Arundel County Fire Department is on the front lines of the nationwide opioid epidemic. They administer the drug naloxone, which helps to reverse the effects of an overdose.

Light House Bistro: Annapolis eatery supports recovery program

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland—Light House Bistro is an upscale restaurant, with a twist: Many of its employees are in recovery. They come from the Light House rehabilitation program, which provides everything from housing to job training.