State Officials Listen to Citizens Opioid Epidemic Experiences

 Posted on January 18, 2018 in Uncategorized

High ranking state officials have held a number of hearings around the state the past few months to hear citizen comments and opinions on the topic of Illinois’ battle against opioid addiction. When it comes to this very volatile issue, and its relationship to law enforcement’s ongoing battle with criminal narcotics activity, the message was clear: there is more work still to be done.

Moms, Addicts, Elected Officials Tell Their Story

A panel led by Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and Donald Kauerauf, assistant director of the state’s Department of Public health, listened as one person after another relayed their story of how opioid addiction is having an impact on their lives. The moving accounts included:

• A mother told the story of how her son died only six months after experimenting with narcotics for the first time. She bemoaned the stigma attached to addiction and the marginalized treatment those with addictions endure.
• One man told how his addiction resulted in a prison sentence at an early age and continues to cause problems in his life even today.
• An employee of a downstate public library told how two individuals have died of overdoses in the past six months while at local branches.
• A county coroner suggested that some communities were content to remain in denial about the epidemic in the state, despite some of the tragic experiences he personally encountered as part of his duties.

One thing all parties agreed on was that the opioid epidemic in Illinois is a long-term problem that requires a multifaceted solution. They believe the following steps should be taken:

• Acknowledgement of the mental health issues that play a role in addiction.
• Increased access to care and alternatives such as day treatment and outpatient treatment.
• Greater public funding for education and treatment programs.

Find the Help You Need From an Experienced Will County Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

Addiction is a matter that requires serious and long-term care, and it has the ability to negatively affect a number of areas in one’s life. Those with an addiction might turn toward criminal activity to support their habit or even find themselves charged with possession or distribution. An Joliet drug and narcotics crimes defense attorney experienced will help protect your rights while attempting to find a program that might enable you to both fight your addiction and earn credit with prosecutors. Contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. and work with an attorney who pursues all available resources on your behalf in building an aggressive defense strategy. Call 815-740-4025 and schedule a free consultation today.