[lcc4hl] FW: RELEASE: Pilot Program Would Provide Targeted Treatment for Opioid-dependent Drug Court Participants

From: Lundy Kiger <lundy.kiger@xxxxxxx>
To: "lcc4hl@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <lcc4hl@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2016 14:46:27 +0000

[cid:image001.jpg@01D1069E.4928DFF0]
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Office of Communications & Public Affairs
March 4, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mark McCullough
Capitol: (405) 557-7414

Pilot Program Would Provide Targeted Treatment for Opioid-dependent Drug Court
Participants

OKLAHOMA CITY - Many drug court participants are dependent on pain-killing
opioids, yet few drug courts provide for or even allow participants to take
part in medication-assisted treatments designed for opioid dependence, a state
lawmaker said today.

State Rep. Mark McCullough authored House Bill 2937 to allow opioid and alcohol
dependent drug court participants to take part in a pilot program that would
give them access to medication designed to decrease cravings and withdrawal
symptoms and block the feeling of euphoria if relapse occurs.

"Not every drug court participant is addicted to marijuana or methamphetamine,"
said McCullough, R-Sapulpa. "In fact, many, especially in Oklahoma, are
addicted to pain killers and alcohol. However, our drug courts don't have
access to a vital resource of medically assisted treatment. Drug courts are
increasingly finding that for long-term opioid addicts, use of medication such
as Vivitrol will reduce cravings and the effects of withdrawal and, in the
long-run, reduce recidivism and incarceration."

The bill would authorize the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services to implement a pilot program to provide medication-assisted
treatment to persons who are participating in drug court and have a dependence
on alcohol or opioids, subject to the availability of funds. Drugs used in the
treatment program must be approved by the United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for use in the prevention of relapse to alcohol or opioid
dependence.

McCullough was inspired to run the bill after attending a seminar from a drug
court treatment provider at the urging of state Rep. Pam Peterson, chair of the
House Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee. One of the participants told of
how Vivitrol was the key to his successful treatment in drug court.

"This has been a team effort by the executive and legislative branches to
develop this plan," said McCullough. "I am certainly thankful for all my
colleagues who have supported drug courts during my time in the Legislature,
from Speaker Jeff Hickman and former Speaker Kris Steele, to Representatives
Terry O'Donnell, Ben Sherrer, Jeannie McDaniel and George Young, among others.
These men and women have been tireless advocates for the use of drug courts as
an effective alternative for drug addicts, and they have literally helped turn
lives around because of their dedication."

House Bill 2937 passed out of the House by a vote of 91-3 and now proceeds to
the Senate to await consideration.

-30-

NOTICE: The information in this email is confidential, legally privileged, and
exempt from disclosure under law. It is intended solely for the addressee.
Access to this email by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the
intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or any action taken
or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and unlawful. The
Oklahoma House of Reps does not warrant any e-mail transmission received as
being virus free, and disclaims any liability for losses or damages arising
from the use of this e-mail or its attachments. Recipients of e-mail assume the
risk of possible computer virus exposure by opening or utilizing the e-mail and
its attachments, and waive any right or recourse against the House by doing so.

[lcc4hl] FW: RELEASE: Pilot Program Would Provide Targeted Treatment for Opioid-dependent Drug Court Participants

Other related posts: