Over the course of several decades, the Opioid Crisis has continued to spread through the streets, alleyways, hospitals, and residential homes in the United States. Consider that, in 2015 alone, an estimated 2 million Americans suffered from addiction to prescription painkillers, while an additional 117,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses. Needless to say, lawmakers and officials from national organizations have been attempting to combat this epidemic, but one particularly interesting set of tactics was developed in the Buckeye State. Last year, Attorney General Mike DeWine established a 12-step program to combat the Opioid Crisis standpoint in Ohio. Now, with the election over, DeWine is preparing to ascend to the ranks of Governor. The only question is: will he still implement a stronger version of this program when he assumed office? Let’s have a recap of Mike DeWine’s original plans to fight opioid addiction in America’s Heartland.
Targeting the Pharmaceutical Industry
Back in 2017, at Valley View High School (Germantown, Ohio), then-Attorney General Mike DeWine announced his plans for a 12-step initiative to combat the budding Opioid Crisis and immediately targeted big-brand drug manufacturers. According to DeWine, the pharmaceutical industry should play a stronger role by funding drug recovery through settlement funds (achieved from a lawsuit regarding Big Pharma’s role in the Opioid Crisis). As a whole, DeWine attacked these companies head-on, referring to them as a plague that destroyed portions of the Buckeye State. As they continue to make billions of dollars of the manufacturing and sales of these dangerous substances, pharmaceutical companies have done little to help victims recover from addiction or abuse (according to DeWine).
Highlighting the 12-Step Plan
Overall, DeWine believes Ohio is in the middle of a drug crisis that requires a broad, calculated counterattack. As part of improvement laws, the governor-elect stressed the importance of connecting drug enforcement agencies and providing them with access to drug-related criminal activities that have transpired throughout the state. Likewise, DeWine planned to develop a rehabilitation and treatment plan through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for workers suffering from addiction. Above all else, however, he wants to double Ohio’s capacity to develop more in-depth plans for the treatment of drug abuse cases.
Now that DeWine is set to become the next Ohio governor, will he still enforce these policies?
Always remember that opioids and mind-altering medications 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.
