Today (even with other stuff going on in the world) I’m pleased to announce a policy that—data shows—will save lives.
Specifically: we'll no longer charge criminal cases arising from the unauthorized use or possession of buprenorphine. The policy: washtenaw.org/DocumentCenter… /1
Specifically: we'll no longer charge criminal cases arising from the unauthorized use or possession of buprenorphine. The policy: washtenaw.org/DocumentCenter… /1
What’s buprenorphine? It’s a medicine that’s been proven to be *highly* effective at treating those who are physically dependent on opioids.
It makes it *significantly* more likely that people in recovery will avoid dying of an overdose. /2
It makes it *significantly* more likely that people in recovery will avoid dying of an overdose. /2
Buprenorphine's been recognized by the State as the “gold standard” for treating opioid use disorder.
It remains, however, a controlled substance in Michigan, meaning that people can face felonies if they use it without a prescription, or share it with others in recovery. /3
It remains, however, a controlled substance in Michigan, meaning that people can face felonies if they use it without a prescription, or share it with others in recovery. /3
And tragically, deterring people from using buprenorphine can have deadly consequences. If folks in recovery cannot access buprenorphine, they risk backsliding, and resuming use of more dangerous substances like heroin or fentanyl. /4
Against that backdrop, we are henceforth declining to charge unauthorized buprenorphine use/possession/small-scale sales.
This will save lives.
How do we know? Well, similar policies have saved lives elsewhere. /5
This will save lives.
How do we know? Well, similar policies have saved lives elsewhere. /5
In Chittenden County, Vermont—hard-hit by the opioid epidemic—prosecutor @SarahFairVT has stopped bringing buprenorphine-related charges.
Not only have police reported no adverse consequences, fatal opioid overdoses fell by *fifty* percent. /6
Not only have police reported no adverse consequences, fatal opioid overdoses fell by *fifty* percent. /6
Of course, buprenorphine should be taken as part of a treatment regimen. So large-scale, black-market distributors who help people evade such regimens for profit will still be prosecuted.
So, too, will those who create “designer drugs” mixing buprenorphine &, e.g. fentanyl. /7
So, too, will those who create “designer drugs” mixing buprenorphine &, e.g. fentanyl. /7
As always, I’m pleased to have been advised on these policies by a team of experts and community members—here including medical & substance use professionals & law enforcement.
We will save lives in Washtenaw. Together. /fin
We will save lives in Washtenaw. Together. /fin
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