Like many parts of America, addicts in Oregon often feel totally left behind. It’s easy to see why; the rise of addiction due to the opioid crisis has become completely untenable. This is a problem that shows no signs of slowing down, or being stopped by the right sources. This has seen a great many addiction recovery advocates step up and try to push back.
Indeed, they gathered on the steps of Capitol in Salem and started to demand that something more is done to bring an end to this vicious crisis. The problem has gone on for too long, with one speaker remarking: “This is not a Democratic issue, this is not a Republican issue, this is a life and death human cost issue,”
With several bills and recovery-oriented care ideas being offered but no uptake so far, people want to see more action. They’ve also accused the Governor Kate Brown of ‘hitting pause’ on the adoption of the plans mentioned above. In response, Governor Brown said in a statement to KATU News: “In 2018, Governor Brown declared that alcohol and substance abuse addiction is a public health crisis in Oregon that must be addressed through a commitment to addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery The ADPC has finalized that strategic plan, and the commission is scheduled to vote on it tomorrow.”
The groups, though, were also trying to gain more support for three crucial bills. One is aimed at increasing access to family treatment court systems, while others would also help to assist bringing more people in to the behavioural health industry. Another would also look at improving how we look at substance abuse and how it links back to mental health.
At the moment, it’s hard to know what comes next. With the statement from Governor Brown promising more action and laying out the next steps, it’s going to be interesting to see what happens in the coming months. With so much time already lost in the fight against the opioid crisis, the sooner a solution can be sought and put in place the better it will be for everyone involved in trying to recover from their addiction.