Why Opioid Addiction Needs to Be Treated as a Disease Rather Than a Crime

JERSEY CITY and NEWARK, New Jersey. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 46 people die each day from overdoses due to the use of prescription opioids. Opioid overdoses have surpassed car accidents and other types of accidental death as the leading cause of death among people under 55 years of age, the New York Times reports. Opioids trigger the release of the body’s “feel good” chemicals. While the feeling might be exhilarating at first, over time, prolonged use and abuse of opioids can change the way the brain releases feel good feelings. Stopping the use of these drugs can leave a person feeling depressed and sick.

Opioid use and abuse is an illness, but our criminal justice system may not always treat it as such. Individuals can face jail time, fines, and other serious consequences for being caught in possession of illegal drugs. As the Law Office of Eric M. Mark, a Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer and immigration lawyer has written recently, criminal charges for opioid use for immigrants can lead to deportation and other serious consequences. As the Trump administration cracks down on immigration of all kinds, immigrants facing even minor criminal charges are at risk.

Healing from opioid addiction is an immense struggle. Withdrawal can leave victims feeling physically ill. Many individuals require professional help to quit and to overcome the intense feelings of withdrawal. Unfortunately, access to quality rehabilitation services can be out of reach, especially if a person doesn’t have health insurance or if health insurance makes it difficult to access care. Given the Trump administration’s proposed “public charge” rule, immigrant families may lose access to important health insurance tax breaks.

Many health insurance policies have high deductibles which means that patients may need to shell out thousands of dollars before the policy will begin to cover their care. This makes rehabilitation treatment out of reach for many. Add to this the fact that many addicts face financial challenges as a result of their addiction, and the cycle of addiction can be difficult to escape.

The courts should show more compassion, but the courts are often designed to place people in jail for their crimes, not necessarily to get them help for illness. Without the assistance of a qualified criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the criminal justice system, many victims of opioid addiction can fall through the cracks. The Law Office of Eric M. Mark are criminal defense attorneys in Jersey City and Newark who understand the unique challenges that individuals face when they are addicted. Our firm can help you navigate the criminal justice system and we may be able to help you get the assistance you need. In some cases, diversion programs may be available that can help you address the underlying causes of your recent encounter with the law. Ultimately, it is important to be patient with yourself and kind with yourself. Recovery can involve several relapses. However, with a proper support system and help, individuals can recover and heal.