Our Story

Founded by Michael Ortoll in 2021, the Christine Ortoll Recovery Organization’s first initiative is a high-profile feature documentary film, called “ONE SECOND AT A TIME” that traces the journey of Christine Ortoll.

Christine was a 26-year-old young lady who fought and ultimately lost a ten-year battle with mental health and substance use disorder to a fentanyl overdose, which is now the leading cause of death for 18–45-year-olds in the US.

Christine had her family’s support in seeking treatment at over twenty facilities. Her parents faced the same issues that affect millions of Americans now and offer cautionary warnings to others facing a similar struggle.

The documentary production also follows Christine’s father, Michael Ortoll, as he finds his life’s purpose in creating a charity named after his daughter. The Christine Ortoll Recovery Organization provides substance use education to middle and high schools, expanding college recovery programs, and reforming the existing health insurance model to address fundamental weaknesses in the current addiction & recovery treatment system.

Drug Overdose Death Rates

Drug overdose deaths are up 30% year-over-year.
In 2021, over 100,000 people died from a drug overdose.
Drug overdoses have killed over a million people since 1999.

Drug Use Among Youth: Facts & Statistics

Report Highlights. Youth drug abuse is a high-profile public health concern, with at least 1-in-8 teenagers abusing an illicit substance in the last year.

Drug use among 8th graders increased 61% between 2016 and 2020.

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By 12th grade, 62% of teenagers have abused alcohol.

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of teenagers have misused a drug at least once.

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of college students use illicit drugs.

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of teenagers know someone who smokes, drinks, or uses drugs during the school day.

55M The number of American adults who currently use marijuana. (16.9%)

45% The percentage of Americans who have tried marijuana at least once.

24% The percentage of 12th-graders who have used marijuana in the past year. (2017)

Opioid Epidemic: Addiction Statistics

The opioid epidemic is considered a public health emergency, with nearly 200 deaths per day and climbing. Over 10M people misuse opioids in a year. Opioids are a factor in at least 7 out of every 10 overdose deaths

Fentanyl Abuse Statistics

Fentanyl abuse statistics indicate it is the world’s deadliest opioid, causing almost half of all overdose deaths nationwide. Fentanyl is a factor in more than half of all overdose deaths. 2mg, less than 0.07 ounces of fentanyl, causes certain death. Statistics indicate 42,700 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2020. SOURCE: National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), l