Vermont’s Drug Supply is Getting More Dangerous
by VCJR Executive Director Tom Dalton
Burlington first responders were called to assist 11 people experiencing potentially deadly drug overdoses in one day alone earlier this month. An overdose prevention center (OPC) would have helped reduce the burden on first responders. OPCs have been shown to save lives. It’s worth remembering that many people use alone. If they overdose, there is nobody around to call first responders for help. Tragically, “found alone” is a common phrase on overdose death reports. OPCs also link people to drug treatment, medical care and other social services.
VCJR was featured in a recent Burlington Free Press article talking about Vermont’s increasingly dangerous unregulated drug supply. VCJR is encouraging policy leaders to recognize that the harm caused by Vermont’s toxic drug supply is the direct result of an immoral policy choice to allow people to suffer and die rather than provide legal access to safer alternatives.
To save lives now, we must extend a loving hand to those among us who are at high risk for overdose death. The Vermont Department of Health estimates that tens of thousands of Vermonters are at risk. If you are like most people in Vermont, you probably know someone who has experienced a fatal drug overdose or are worried about a loved one at risk.
Substance use disorder is a chronic, relapsing health condition characterized by compulsive drug use in spite of negative consequences. Free will is extremely compromised. Recovery is difficult and usually requires many attempts over time. If our loved ones are to survive, we need to give them new, safer alternatives that allow them to:
Consume drugs in a safe setting
Possess and consume drugs without being criminalized
Use substances that are regulated to promote safety
Seek health, safety, healing and recovery over time
Survive and not die!
We have already made sure that those who use alcohol and cannabis have access to a legal, safe and regulated drug supply. Those who are at extreme risk for overdose death every day urgently need us to do the same for them.
