Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined Senator Angus King and Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli to discuss the growing problem of heroin addiction in Maine.  The roundtable discussion included people in recovery, families dealing with addiction issues, health care providers, law enforcement officials, first responders, and other local leaders.  The meeting took place at Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems in Brewer.

"The stories we heard today were heartbreaking and tragic," Pingree said.  "We heard from families, from treatment providers and from law enforcement officials and many of them told us the same story--about the lack of access to treatment for Maine people addicted to heroin and prescription drugs."

"We heard lots of stories of people who want to get off drugs but can't get the help they need. We heard from one man who said he intentionally overdosed just so he could get into a hospital to get treatment.  And we heard of others who have asked to have their probation repealed so they would be sent back to jail to get treatment," she said.

Pingree pointed to mandatory sentences and the loss of access to services that comes with drug convictions. 

"The criminalization of addiction puts individuals on a downward spiral that makes it harder for people to get off drugs and stay in recovery.  If they don't have a place to live or adequate food, it's a lot harder to get off drugs," Pingree said.  "We shouldn't yank the safety net out from under people just because they are addicted to drugs."

"Clearly the system is broken and we have a lot to do to fix it. Getting all these individuals and organizations together today was an important step in addressing this growing crisis, and Senator King provided a great public service by convening this meeting," she said.