I was recently an attendee at the Southern Maine Harm Reduction Conference. The Harm Reduction Coalition defines harm reduction as a “set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights […]
drug abuse
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Marijuana not as harmless as has been reported in the past
Recently, law enforcement officials made major marijuana-related busts in Lewiston and Auburn. Many community members commented online through news outlets, Facebook, and the Sun Journal that marijuana is legal in Maine, a natural plant, and that, historically, there have been no deaths from using marijuana, so they did not see why those busts were a […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Suicide epidemic: Social, economic or both?
Ours is a nation in despair. U.S. suicide rates have surged to a 30-year high, and it’s not just among struggling middle-aged whites. Suicides by girls age 10 to 14 have spiked over the last 18 years. And there’s been a shocking surge in children 17 or under dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Since 1999, […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Information program needed
It is disturbing that the reports of narcotic overdose deaths have increased to more than one per day in Maine. What is the reason for this? A number are addicts, others are those starting to use and who made a mistake. A person’s habitual use of drugs is a self-imposed practice — entirely voluntary. People […]
Posted inLetters
Death penalty for certain crimes
Way back, Gov. Paul LePage was talking about the drug problem that exists in Maine and suggested bringing back the guillotine to punish convicted drug dealers. Although I believe that would be a deterrent, it will not happen. Now, state officials are getting nowhere on the problem with heroin and other opioids, and that problem […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Telstar students advised of risks of drug abuse
BETHEL — “Your brain, right now, is at its best for learning,” addiction-prevention specialist Lee Anne Dodge told Telstar Regional High School students at an assembly Thursday. The assembly, sponsored by River Valley Healthy Communities in partnership with the Mahoosuc Prevention Coalition, was aimed at educating students about the consequences of underage drinking and drug […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Gov. Paul LePage wants substance abuse programs in county jails
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has proposed a network of new county-run community substance abuse programs, along with creating a dedicated fund to support them. LePage has proposed LD 1674, An Act to Create Community Substance Abuse Programs, which was unveiled to the Legislature on Thursday. The bill calls on sheriffs in Maine’s 16 counties […]
Posted inMaine
LePage summit addresses opioid problem
AUGUSTA — Maine’s ongoing battle with opioid abuse and related crime isn’t going away anytime soon, according to officials gathered Wednesday for a summit called by Gov. Paul LePage. While they called the meeting productive, officials said Maine, like the rest of New England and the nation, faces a massive struggle. “This is not an […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Paul LePage announces participants in drug abuse prevention summit
The LePage administration has released the list of participants at a drug abuse prevention summit Gov. Paul LePage will host Aug. 26 in Augusta. The governor has been planning the summit in response to a significant spike in heroin coming into Maine and a rash of recent overdoses. On the list are a mix of […]