Over the last few years, we have seen an increase of individuals abusing opioids, which are medications to relieve pain like morphine or hydrocodone. More often, habitual opioid users, who are struggling with addition and need help, are ending up in the judicial system, which costs time, money and energy.
What typically happens is that some of the individuals that end up in the courts and are released, return shortly after with the same drug abuse related charges. It is apparent that something needs to be done to address this issue and help those struggling with opioid abuse, get the help they need.
That is why I authored House Bill (HB) 1195 this session. This legislation, which has been assigned to the Courts and Criminal Code Committee, would provide addictions counseling, impatient detoxification or Vivitrol as a possible condition of parole, probation, community corrections pretrial diversion or part of a problem-solving court.
