Governor signs anti-drug bill LD 1537 into law

01/19/2016 02:35 PM EST

Upon delivery to his desk of LD 1537 today, Governor Paul R. LePage immediately signed the anti-drug bill, LD 1537, into law.

"I'm pleased the House and Senate incorporated the common-sense recommendations of the minority report," said Governor LePage. "I had expressed concerns about funding sources and the grant-making authority, but I thank legislative leadership for their willingness to broker changes that both the administration and the legislature could support. To be clear, this bill is just the first step in a process that needs a much more comprehensive approach."

Drug deaths continue record pace through first nine months of 2015

12/30/2015 04:18 PM EST

 

 

AUGUSTA -Maine Attorney General Janet T. Mills and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner have released drug overdose statistics for the first nine months of 2015. The numbers paint a dire picture of Maine's opioid crisis. From January through September of 2015, deaths attributable to drug overdoses stood at 174. The state is on pace to reach between 230 and 250 overdose deaths this year. In 2014, there were a record 208 overdose deaths.

"Maine's opioid epidemic continues to rage," said Attorney General Mills. "This problem seems to have the attention of everyone but the users. I am heartened by the response I have seen from leaders in our state who all want to solve this problem. In recent days the police have taken major actions to disrupt the supply of heroin and other opiates into our state and to protect our citizenry from those who would sell it. We can and must do more. We must also begin the long effort of curbing the demand for these deadly substances by educating people of the dangers and supporting people in recovery from addiction."

Of the deaths in the first nine months of 2015, 113 (65%) involved at least one pharmaceutical drug and 111 (64%) involved at least one illicit drug. Many of these deaths (29%) were caused by a combination of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs. Pharmaceutical opioids remain a key substance category, with 70 deaths (40%) caused by at least one pharmaceutical opioid. Heroin and Fentanyl are increasingly named as a cause of death, with 71 (41%) deaths caused by heroin and 54 (31%) caused by fentanyl or acetyl fentanyl. In 74% of all the cases, multiple drugs are listed as a cause of death.

ADDICTION......Where to get HELP in Maine.

ADDICTION....Where to Get Help

To find substance abuse treatment services in Maine, go to the online:

Maine Substance Abuse Treatment Services Directory,

or call the the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, Information and Resource Center:

1-800-499-0027(in Maine only) or 207-287-8900

Maine statewide information line: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00
The Resource Center can provide information about substance abuse and listings of treatment agencies and support group meetings in Maine.

Other resources:

• 2-1-1 (Maine):
  a comprehensive directory of health and human services in Maine.
  Talk to a call specialist or visit the web site at: http://www.211maine.org/


• Maine Statewide Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112
  Maine statewide 24 hour crisis hotline.


• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) The hotline and associated crisis centers around the country support languages spoken by refugees and other vulnerable populations.