Overall, the American Opioid Crisis might be one of the worst national emergencies to date. In 2015 alone, an estimated 2 million Americans suffered from addiction to prescription opioids, while an additional 117,000 Americans tragically died from opioid-related overdoses. Besides the pills doctors hand out, though, many people also suffer severe addiction to illegal substances like heroin (a synthetic opioid). As if that wasn’t horrible enough, now criminals have found loopholes in the system to use these victims to their advantage. Across the United States, aptly named “patient brokers” sift through the streets and alleyways to find addicts and lure them to “sober living homes.” As a result, the brokers receive kickbacks. Needless to say, with millions suffering from opioid addiction, America’s patient broking economy is thriving. However, with the help of Congress, we could see an end to this greedy, cruel system in sight soon enough. Let’s take a closer look and find out more.
Senators to the Rescue
Ultimately, the government said, “That’s enough!”
Recently, Congress passed a bipartisan measure, pressed by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), as part of a package that will directly fight the growing opioid crisis in our country, and, once passed, it will completely prohibit kickback activity like patient broking. Ultimately, the measure is scheduled to be signed by President Donald Trump sometime today, November 28, 2018. Once he provides his signature, federal prosecutors will have the resources to attack these brokers and their financers. By the new law, the provision or taking of kickbacks will result in 10-years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of $200,000.
Illegal Operations
Interestingly, a majority of these illegal rehab centers and homes are located in Florida and our very own California, as many addicts from the Midwest and Northeast are attracted by the warm weather. For example, Malibu is home to 47 treatment centers (one of the highest concentrations per capita in the Golden State). However, Palm Beach County has become a festering nest for criminals who offer tantalizing gifts like free plane tickets or free rent to draw in the addicts. In fact, County Prosecutor Dave Aronberg sadly explained how too many residents are leaving in body bags.
Always remember that opioids do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
