Lawmakers hear Case’s expanded heroin treatment proposal
HARTFORD – Lawmakers seeking means to curtail a rising heroin epidemic heard Wednesday from State Rep. Jay Case, who is proposing extending substance abuse treatment to anyone struggling with addiction.
Case told legislators on the public health committee that his bill, H.B. 5058, will prohibit substance abuse treatment facilities from limiting admission to individuals currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The proposal, an amendment to current statutes, would allow someone with good intentions to seek better help.
“Facilities have required individuals seeking treatment be under the influence of drugs or alcohol before ordering evaluations, while sober individuals are turned away, encouraging them to get high and return. This counterproductive practice leaves those with addictions vulnerable and susceptible to relapses, slowing the recovery process,” Case said.
The number of deaths caused by drug and alcohol abuse is steadily increasing. In 2012, there were a reported 355 deaths; in 2014, this number rose to 558 deaths. The northwest corner of Connecticut, including Case’s district of Colebrook, Goshen, Torrington and Winchester, is experiencing a particularly tough struggle with heroin addiction and abuse – with a 56 percent increase of heroin related deaths between 2013 and 2014.
Case added: “Admitting one’s weakness and asking for help is a difficult step many people are unable to do. When one finally builds up the courage, the will, and the family support to seek help for an addiction, to be turned away because they are sober at that time is a devastating set back.”
In recent years, the General Assembly has produced legislation expanding help to anyone overdosing from opioids, like heroin, by increasing access to Narcan, an opioid antagonist. A 2012 law allowed friends and family members to obtain the prescription if they suspected a drug overdose – and last year, lawmakers allowed those same people to administer the life-saving medication.