Families of Addicts Push For Involuntary Treatment at New Hampshire Rehab Centers To Save Lives
Local families who have lost loved ones to addiction are pushing for the passing of Section 35, a law that forces those who abuse drugs or alcohol to be committed to New Hampshire rehab centers. Though New Hampshire is being hit hard by the nation’s opioid epidemic and has seen a 70% increase in opioid overdose deaths from 2013 to 2014, the state still hasn’t allowed for involuntary commitment for substance abuse. Families are hoping Section 35 will help save the lives of addicts who become victims of opioid abuse and addiction.
If you are addicted to opioids and live in New Hampshire, understand there are several local rehab centers that can help you overcome addiction. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about New Hampshire drug rehab centers that specialize in treating opioid dependency and addiction.
Losing Family Members to Opioid Addiction
Section 35 would force addicts into New Hampshire rehab centers.
Sheryl Mercier, detective with the Lowell Police Department in Massachusetts, lost her 18-year old son to an opioid overdose on July 16. John “Bubba” Carter tried to get clean several times before overdosing, but informed family and police during an intervention that he didn’t need help.
In the wake of his death, Carter’s family started a petition calling for New Hampshire legislation to pass Section 35, which is already signed into law in neighboring Massachusetts.
In an effort to push and support Section 35, Carter’s older sister Kailynd Biggar posted a petition in favor of the law at Change.org. Since its posting, the petition has generated over 3,500 signatures from people nationwide who have lost loved ones to opioid overdoses. Each time a new signature is added, an email is sent to U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, the State Senate, and the New Hampshire Statehouse.
Biggar says she’s familiar with the lies addicts tell to get their way and avoid rehab treatment. She adds that if her brother had come clean with the police on the day of his intervention, he may have been taken into custody and would still be alive today.
Using Rehab Centers to Treat Opioid Addiction
Mercier says many New Hampshire rehab centers lack the amount of beds needed to properly treat all opioid addicts, and that the state should consider linking up with Massachusetts to improve local treatment options. Mercier says New Hampshire generally lacks resources when it comes to rehab, and that both states should make beds available to nearby addicts regardless of residency.
Another New Hampshire resident named Doug Griffin who lost his 20-year-old daughter to heroin two years ago says overdose victims revived with opioid overdose antidote naloxone should be forced to go to rehab. Griffin says naloxone gives addicts another chance to detox and improve their lives following an overdose. Other residents agree, saying this, along with approving Section 35, are the next greatest steps the state can take to address opioid addiction.
New Hampshire rehab centers that treat opioid addiction can help addicts overcome dependency and improve their lives. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, call our 24/7 helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about available rehab options. Our caring treatment specialists will help you locate nearby rehab centers devoted to helping you or your loved one achieve sobriety from opioids.
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