BIDDEFORD — Gov. Paul LePage had a constructive discussion of real issues facing Maine on Tuesday night, thanks to thoughtful questions from the audience and the governor’s willingness to answer with candor. One of the more memorable moments was when a member of the audience asked LePage to explain one of the more shocking things […]
addiction
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine House OKs addiction program funding
AUGUSTA — The Maine House of Representatives has given initial approval to a bill that would make grants available to substance abuse pilot programs in the state. The programs would include those run by local governments, county governments and regional jails. The grants would cover programs that divert low-level drug offenders into community-based treatment and […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine to get $1.2 million to treat opioid abuse
PORTLAND — Federal Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell says four Maine health centers will receive more than $1.2 million to expand substance abuse services, with a focus on opioid use. Officials with the Human Services Department say the money will help Maine increase the number of patients that can be screened for substance […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Chief Justice Leigh Saufley calls to keep addicts out of jails
AUGUSTA — Maine Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Leigh Saufley advocated Wednesday for more diversion programs to keep drug addicts out of jail during her annual State of the Judiciary address at the State House. Central in Saufley’s recommendations was the hiring or contracting of more case managers to help addicts accused of drug crimes […]
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers eye additional bills to fight drug crisis in Maine
AUGUSTA — A bill meant to toughen sentences for those convicted of trafficking illegal drugs or importing them into Maine was met with mixed reactions from the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Monday. The bill, LD 1541, offered by Sen. Scott Cyrway, R-Benton, would increase the classifications of trafficking crimes as well […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Rep. Chellie Pingree asks feds to boost methadone clinic funding
AUGUSTA — U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree has asked the federal government to reverse reductions in payments to methadone treatment centers that have happened since Gov. Paul LePage took office. In an Oct. 8 letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Pingree, a Democrat, said that the cuts since 2010 have put significant financial […]
Posted inOxford Hills
Western Maine task force to fight heroin
PARIS — A newly formed task force in western Maine may be a point of light in the fight against heroin and other life-threatening drugs that have beleaguered the region in recent months. The Western Maine Addiction Task Force is a collaborative group of federal, state, local and county government officials, private organizations, community nonprofits and […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
‘It is a plague. It is merciless’: A son’s overdose, a mother’s plea for action
PORTLAND — She endured years of troubles, heartaches, courtrooms and counselors while trying to help her son regain a safe, sober life. Now Massachusetts resident Mary Gibson wants to spread a message about the horrors of heroin addiction. Her son, Andrew Gibson, 21, was found dead April 11 at his Cumberland Avenue apartment. “It is […]
Posted inBusiness, Lewiston-Auburn
Working: Jeremy Hiltz, Helping addicts get back to work
LEWISTON — Jeremy Hiltz is a drug and alcohol counselor who, six months ago, started spending Friday mornings at the Lewiston CareerCenter, giving addicts advice on how to get back to work. It’s about self-esteem and a paycheck — and he speaks from experience. Hiltz, a 37-year-old who looks like he only stopped playing high […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Yoga brings balance to recovering drug addicts
PORTLAND — The road to recovery may not always be paved with sweat, but for yoga instructor Kelly Benson, it works. “A spiritual practice is the foundation of recovery,” Benson said. “Once your mind/body system is more in balance, it opens up the space to really tap into the soul.” Benson, 31, is a recovering […]