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Battle against opioid addiction is personal for Arkansas's Lt. Gov.

Griffin said his older brother became addicted to opioids a few years ago after he was overprescribed by his doctor.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - The battle against opioid addiction is becoming more prevalent every day.

For Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, it’s personal.

“It’s so widespread. It is absolutely everywhere,” said Lt. Governor, Tim Griffin.

Griffin said his older brother became addicted to opioids after he was overprescribed by his doctor a few years ago.

“He had a back surgery and it went bad. The doctor that did the surgery prescribed a lot of opioids,” Griffin said.

Griffin said he saw a dramatic change in his brother’s personality and lifestyle when he was taking opioids.

“He was in what I would characterize as a downward spiral,” Griffin said.

Griffin said he urged his brother to seek treatment from a pain management doctor.

“Doctor ‘A’ may provide a solution or a prescription regimen that isn't the best for you. So don't be afraid to pursue another way of dealing with it because it might actually save your life,” Griffin said.

Griffin said he hopes sharing his brother’s story publicly will help break the stigma of addiction.

“There shouldn't be a stigma. This is the deal for a lot of people,” Griffin said. “It’s a story of progress. There's some hope there.”

Griffin said his brother is doing well now and is able to handle his pain better thanks to a pain management doctor.

If you or someone you know is struggling — we have a list of resources available.

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