Book Description

"The Office of Substance Abuse (OSA) became aware of a growing trend in the abuse of prescription narcotics in early 2000. This trend was particularly evident in Washington and Penobscot Counties at that time and OSA responded by funding an opiate treatment program in Bangor, which was delayed in opening until the following year due to community opposition. OSA also funded the development of a community plan and increased treatment in Washington County. In FY 2001 the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) requested and received state funding for an additional officer to be located in Washington County, though the position was never filled due to subsequent budget cuts. Working with the Substance Abuse Services Commission, OSA gathered information regarding abuse of prescription drugs and published the first comprehensive look at the issue in January 2002. By this time the problem had spread to affect all of coastal Maine and the abuse of heroin had begun to rise as well. The report, Oxycontin: Maine's Newest Epidemic made five recommendations."--page 2