Pallone Commends White House Initiative to Address Heroin Epidemic by Focusing on Treatment

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, commended the White House’s announcement of an initiative to target the heroin epidemic and its impact in “high intensity drug trafficking areas” (HIDTA). The initiative, first proposed by the New York/New Jersey HIDTA program, will bring together public health coordinators and law enforcement officials in an effort to gain more in-depth and street-level insight into the heroin trade, and to train first responders on administering medication to reverse overdoses. Recognizing addiction as a threat to public health, the initiative seeks to couple enforcement activity with treatment.

“New Jersey’s heroin overdose rate is more than three-times the skyrocketing nation-wide rate, and I consistently hear from constituents, law enforcement and local elected officials about this devastating epidemic,” said Congressman Pallone. “The White House’s initiative takes a much-needed and inventive approach by attacking the root of the heroin epidemic through a focus on treatment rather than punishment. I commend the initiative’s targeted approach to combat the heroin trade, coupled with increased treatment efforts. I believe it can and will start to make a real difference and save lives.”

About $2.5 million will fund public health partnerships in five HIDTA regions spanning 15 states, including in the New York/New Jersey region and the Philadelphia/Camden region.

There’s A Treatment For Heroin Addiction That Actually Works. Why Aren’t We Using It?

The Huffington Post has a really great feature article titled, "Dying To Be Free", that came about after a year long investigation into the heroin treatment industry. After reading it I think you'll agree, we're not doing enough to stop heroin addiction or the public health epidemic heroin has caused.

"...A heroin addict entering a rehab facility presents as severe a case as a would-be suicide entering a psych ward. The addiction involves genetic predisposition, corrupted brain chemistry, entrenched environmental factors and any number of potential mental-health disorders — it requires urgent medical intervention. According to the medical establishment, medication coupled with counseling is the most effective form of treatment for opioid addiction. Standard treatment in the United States, however, emphasizes willpower over chemistry..."

‎Suboxone‬ may not be a cure for ‪‎heroin addiction but it is the closest thing there is. Why aren't more addicts given access to it? The standard 12 step treatment methods employed by nearly all treatment centers don't work on their own and ignore decades of scientific research in the field of opiate addictions.

If there is someone in your life whether a family member or friend, take the time to read this article. It is fascinating and it will open your eyes to a better understanding of drug addiction.

Here is a list of doctors/treatment centers in NJ that prescribe Suboxone as a means of treating a patients addiction.