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Drugs pose a serious problem for public health and safety in California
One of the key aspects of the problem is the use of opioids. Dependency on them, including both legal (such as prescription medications) and illegal (such as heroin), has become an epidemic in many areas of the state. This has led to an increase in overdose deaths and an increased demand for addiction treatment.
David Kessler, who led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the years when oxycodone was recommended for use as an analgesic, later referred to the opioid crisis as an “unforeseen epidemic” and one of the gravest errors of modern medicine.
Furthermore, California also faces issues with the consumption and trafficking of other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Their illegal circulation contributes to crime and violence in certain areas of the state.
To combat this problem, California authorities are taking various measures, including strengthening drug control laws, providing treatment and rehabilitation programs for drug addicts, and developing prevention and education programs about the harm of drugs to the population.
Medical Assistance: Drug addicts are provided access to medical assistance, including drug poisonings, overdoses, and infectious diseases related to drug use, such as HIV and hepatitis.
Harm Reduction Programs: Some areas of the state offer harm reduction programs, including needle and syringe exchange, HIV and other infection testing, safe drug use counseling, and access to inexpensive or free overdose-reducing agents such as naloxone.
Psychosocial Support and Counseling: Drug addicts are provided with psychological and social support services, including counseling, therapy, and support from social workers.
Reintegration Programs: After completing treatment and rehabilitation programs, drug addicts can receive support when reintegrating into society, including assistance with finding employment, housing, and other aspects of reintegration.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring state, there is a center for helping addicts (not just drug addicts), which was visited by representatives of our editorial team. We thoroughly questioned them about the center’s methods, basic principles of recovery, and the future prospects of those who have recovered. We will share information about the center in a series of specialized materials.
