Opioid Crisis Treatment

TREATMENT

Establish a fund similar to the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act to fund prevention, treatment and research.

Hire nurses/social workers to follow up regularly with patients, making sure they have the support they need to get back on their feet.

Expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with craving-relieving prescription drugs like buprenorphine and methadone.

Pressure the states that are hold-outs to expand Medicaid. Give them the same federal funding as those that previously expanded.

Enforce the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

Demand fair sentencing laws, including the end to the mass criminalization and incarceration of non-violent drug offenders.

Expand pre-trial diversion programs and incarceration alternatives that encourage treatment (i.e. rehabilitation, drug courts, etc).

Assist with housing, healthcare and other transitional services for those leaving the criminal justice system.

Support programs like Safe Streets and Second Chances, which prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.

Support programs like the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative, where authorities offer treatment for those who seek help.

Utilize contingency management, which provides money and prizes for addicts who stay abstinent.