NY Lawmakers Trying to Stop the Heroin Epidemic
New York lawmakers are calling for action to stop a growing heroin problem in the state.
The push for a changing focus in the fight against drug abuse comes in response to a new report finding that heroin use is a particular problem in Suffolk County, where heroin overdose deaths are at an all-time high. In fact, according to data, more people died as a result of heroin ODs in Suffolk County in the past few years than in any other county in NY. Between 2009 and 2013, more than 300 Suffolk County residents died due to heroin overdoses, representing more drug-related deaths than both Brooklyn and the Bronx in New York.
Of course, the problem isn’t just limited to New York. Nationwide, heroin overdose deaths have almost quadrupled in the past 10 years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Solving the Heroin Abuse Problem in NY
New York State Assemblyman Andrew Raia is expected to propose a bold solution to the heroin epidemic. Raia wants lawmakers to authorize the use of The Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in Brentwood NY for treatment of individuals who are addicted to heroin. The hospital sits on 400 acres of land and used to be one of the largest medical care facilities in the entire world. Now, however, the psychiatric center is largely unused.
Raia wants state legislators to declare the heroin problem an “emergency,” which would allow lawmakers to take drastic action by opening up hospital beds to addicts. This solution is needed, argues Raia, because Suffolk County NY outpatient facilities cannot handle the number of heroin addicts currently seeking treatment. Moreover, said Raia, the sort of inpatient treatment that he is calling for is far more effective at getting heroin users to beat their addictions and stay clean in the long run.
NY legislator William Spencer agrees with Raia’s proposal. Spencer noted that the root of the heroin problem may actually be prescription drug abuse, with far too many doctors introducing patients to addictive painkillers. When the pain medication runs out, many of these patients end up turning to heroin as a cheaper, more easily accessible alternative.
For additional information, read the AOL.com article, “Lawmakers Demand Action After Shocking Report on Heroin Overdoses.”
If you or a loved one has been charged with heroin possession, heroin distribution, marijuana possession or any other drug crime in NY, it is crucial that you speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at the LaDuca Law Firm can help you fight your criminal charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our office in Rochester, New York.
