DRUG-DECRIM ‘FAIL’
Few Ore. users seek treatment
Oregon’s decriminalization of hard drugs has “failed,” with less than 1% of users eligible for statefunded treatment admitted to rehab, according to figures from its Health Authority.
The state has plunged $302 million into treatment services as it reduced the punishment for personal possession of drugs including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD and others to a fine in February 2021.
Since then fatal overdoses have skyrocketed, with unintentional opioid overdose deaths jumping from 472 to 739 in 2021.
Data compiled by the authority showed 16,000 people accessed services for drug treatment in the first year of decriminalization, but only 0.85% of those — equivalent to 136 people — actually entered programs to get them off drugs.
“The portions of the measure that impacted whether or not someone can get into treatment directly because of drug use is what’s failed,” Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan told The Post.
“Fewer than 1% of folks who are engaging in these harmful behaviors are electing to pursue treatment,” she added.
“That means that we’re not actually solving this crisis in Oregon, and that’s why we have to repeal it.”
The report noted its figures were reported by organizations which at that time had received $31.4 million to treat addicts.
Meanwhile, 81% of those who are ticketed by police over their drug use have simply ignored the fines and court dates, according to police data.
In order to get the $45 to $100 citation dismissed, drug users are required to call a statewide hotline within 45 days of the citation. Offenders must then show up to court to have their case dismissed.
Scott Winkels, a lobbyist for the League of Oregon Cities, told The Post: “What we are hearing is the citation portion of this is not doing what it’s intended to do . . .
The way we were doing things before wasn’t working either but this new system needs some work.”
The state Judicial Department said 66% of those who were cited from Feb. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2022, were arrested for methamphetamine and 17% for heroin.
Ordinary citizens of Oregon say crime, homelessness and addiction have become worse.
Ros Strength, 33, said she no longer feels safe walking through downtown Portland.
“It’s certainly concerning when you see people out on the streets under the influence,” she said.
“It makes you feel unsafe. The drugs and homelessness problem is all over the city.
“Not too long ago, I was downtown [and] people were screaming obscenities and getting violent. That’s kind of the norm now.”
During a press conference Sept. 20, authority behavioral-health director Steve Allen admitted the program had a rocky start, but announced the state has now invested $302 million to combat addiction.
But Winkels warns people are at a breaking point.
He said: “People are going to need to see progress. If you’re living in a community where you’re finding needles, how many times do you need to see a needle in a park before you lose your cool?”