MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION
Few issues hit closer to home for me than the fight against addiction and substance misuse. With a family member who has struggled with substance abuse, I have seen firsthand the toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones. It's a personal battle, one that fuels my legislative work and deepens my resolve to combat this crisis.
My brother, Kevin, battled addiction in his early adulthood, a struggle too many families can relate to. The pain of witnessing a loved one trapped in the cycle of addiction is indescribable, but so too are the hope and relief that accompany recovery. I've seen the courage it takes to reclaim your life from addiction's grip, and I've also witnessed the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit. Kevin's journey is a testament to the power of recovery and has been a motivating force in my legislative work on this complex issue.
Increasing Access to Addiction Treatment
Through my family's experience, I have seen the power of recovery and the incredible potential that lies in every person who battles addiction. With the right support, people can and do get better. Unfortunately, far too many individuals with substance misuse disorders do not receive the care they need to recover, because treatment programs tend to be expensive.
My goal is to ensure that every Coloradan, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access the care they need. To do this, we must integrate mental health services into primary care settings, broaden the reach of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and embrace the role of medication-assisted treatments. Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health – it is time we recognize and address the complex interplay between mental health and substance misuse.
Reforming the Criminal Justice System
Our current criminal justice system is deeply flawed when it comes to addressing substance use disorders. Too often, individuals with addiction are funneled into a punitive system that exacerbates their struggles rather than providing them with the help they need. We cannot incarcerate our way out of the addiction crisis. We need systemic change that recognizes addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.
That's why I am advocating for reforming our criminal justice system in a way that emphasizes prevention, treatment, and recovery rather than punishment. We need to invest in drug courts and other diversion programs that offer treatment alternatives for individuals who come into contact with the justice system due to substance misuse. These programs have been proven to reduce recidivism and improve health outcomes, offering a more compassionate and effective response to addiction.
By shifting our focus from punishment to treatment, we can create a criminal justice system that truly serves the needs of our communities and breaks the cycle of addiction. This is not only a more humane approach, but it's also a more effective and cost-efficient one. Together, we can build a system that supports recovery rather than perpetuating the cycle of addiction and incarceration.
Supporting Recovery & Reducing Recidivism
Recovery from addiction is a journey, and we need to ensure our support doesn't end once initial treatment is over. I am committed to supporting ongoing recovery programs and reducing recidivism. This includes supporting sober living communities, workforce training programs, and mental health resources for those in recovery. It also involves working with our justice system to implement policies that focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Early Intervention & Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline
As a society, we have to do better at supporting our young people. We need to equip our schools with resources and professionals who can identify early warning signs of substance misuse and mental health issues. We need to teach our students about the realities and risks associated with substance use, fostering an environment where they can ask questions and discuss their concerns openly.
To truly turn the tide of addiction, we must invest in comprehensive, evidence-based preventive measures. This includes fostering community connections, promoting mental health, implementing early intervention strategies in healthcare and educational settings, and improving socioeconomic conditions that often underpin addiction.
By adopting a comprehensive, proactive approach to substance misuse, we can help our young people make informed decisions, promote emotional health and resilience, and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. If we want a future free from the chains of addiction, our focus must be on nurturing well-informed, emotionally healthy, and resilient young individuals.
Whenever the work gets tough, I think of the families who are still waiting for answers, those who are pleading for resources, and those desperate for reasons to feel hopeful. I carry with me the stories of those who have not been as fortunate as my brother Kevin. They fuel my determination to fight for a system that supports recovery and stands up against addiction. This is not just a political issue for me, it's personal, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of all those affected by addiction and substance misuse.