'To Bless All Mankind' May 2, 2016 Issue

Endgame for an opiate epidemic

The Monitor’s Editorial Board

Two years ago, Gov. Peter Shumlin of Vermont shocked many by devoting his entire annual message to what he called “a full-blown … crisis” in opiate addiction in his small New England state. His campaign to reduce opioid prescriptions and improve treatment for addicts has since caught on. In February, the country’s rising abuse of heroin and other opioids dominated a meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington. The bipartisan group also pestered President Obama and Congress to do more.

States remain on the front lines of dealing with the opioid epidemic, which makes Vermont’s experience especially worth noting. The state has moved from a jail-first model to a “rapid intervention” system that quickly assesses whether an addict needs mental-health services. Since 2014, Vermont has increased the number of drug-treatment centers by more than 65 percent. But more than that, says Mr. Shumlin, the state has lifted the stigma that surrounds those seeking treatment for drug addiction. Many police departments now welcome addicts to come forward, not to be arrested but to be offered help.

Or as the governor puts it: “We’ll help you get your life back, you’ll never see a judge, a prosecutor, or a criminal record.” He estimates the state has saved about $50 million by not locking up many addicts.

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