Resetting state view on helping those with substance abuse

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

OLYMPIA — There is no political vaccine for the opioid epidemic, no swift legislative means to free thousands of people of the weight of their substance abuse.

There’s prevention, until it doesn’t work, then treatment, and, if all goes well, recovery.

In recent years, state lawmakers have put more of their focus and taxpayer dollars into the first two elements.

That may change this session.

Three bills that collectively would shine a brighter light on the value of recovery services cleared the state House without a single vote of opposition. As each came up on the House floor, Democratic and Republican members rose to speak of their experiences in recovery and those of their nieces, nephews, and siblings.

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https://www.heraldnet.com/news/resetting-state-view-on-helping-those-with-substance-abuse/?utm_source=DAILY+HERALD&utm_campaign=c208fc8b9b-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d81d073bb4-c208fc8b9b-228635337

[Aristus]

1. Glad to hear it.

Our medical organization is looking into starting a recovery/respite center for patients with substance abuse issues. The goal will be to keep them out of the emergency rooms and provide a safe place for them to recover.

Our homeless patients will have the additional benefit of being able to transition in to housing after recovery.

Studies have shown that it is far more effective to get them in to housing first, and then get them sober. I'm going to bring that up at the first planning meeting coming up.

[alwaysinasnit]

2. That is good news, but do you happen to know if the government still criminalizes drug use?

[happybird]

3. I want to see methadone programs in jails, nationwide

With continuing attendance at a clinic as a condition of release.

Opiate addicts go into withdrawal in jail, which is beyond miserable, so virtually no one would turn the methadone down. It's a perfect way to get thousands of often skeptical and hopeless (and literally captive) addicts on MAT. It would still be their choice, but most will take it, even if it's just for immediate relief from withdrawals.

Once they get on methadone they'll see how it works- that you can be well for 24+ hours with one simple dose everyday. Within a week, they'll be clear headed and on a proven, working path to recovery.

Methadone is dirt cheap and clinics do regular drug testing. Clinics have a built-in reward system (slowly earning take homes for regular attendance and clean drug tests). Positive reinforcement works far better than draconian punishment.

Being overseen by compassionate health care professionals and qualified counselors, rather than authorization probation and parole officers, would also make a big difference.

Methadone saved my life and I want others to be freed from hell. MAT is the only way to recovery for many, if not most, opiate addicts. Some just need a push to get started.

Not having methadone programs in jail is wasting a huge, life saving opportunity.

[Wounded Bear]

4. It's long past time for this...

criminalizing drug use has not worked. That much is obvious.

Granted, we still have to use legal tools for crimes committed in support of the drug culture, but for individual addicts, treatment is the way to go. It is a medical problem and needs proper medical/psychological solutions.