More Strides to Battle Heroin Epidemic

Legislation to fund a new heroin treatment program was unanimously approved by the Suffolk County Legislature Tuesday in Hauppauge. On Wednesday, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said he would sign the bill.

Levy unveiled his Suboxone initiative in his State of the County address earlier this year, which provides approximately $225,000 in funding for the program and also creates two new drug counseling positions, according to a statement from Levy's office.

"The rise in heroin and opiate use in the county, especially by our young people, is one of the most dangerous threats we currently face," said County Legis. John Kennedy, who is sponsoring the bill. "Treatment options are limited and this will give Suffolk County another tool to fight heroin addiction, the use of the methadone replacement drug suboxone. Targeted to teens, it will add another important tool in the fight against this terrible epidemic." 

"Research shows that almost nine of ten individuals will relapse after just a single stay in a detoxification center," said Levy in a statement. "One of the reasons for this is that inpatient detoxification typically lasts 3-5 days, while the severe withdrawal conditions can last 7-10 days."

The Department of Health Services has developed a new initiative in response to this problem, "The Heroin Treatment Program for Young Adults," which requires funding for suboxone treatment and the personnel required to implement the program, his office said.

This new initiative will provide medication-assisted treatment services to affected minors in the county. Furthermore, the health department will report back to the Legislature in 90 days to report on the success of the program.

"Along with treatment and support, we are providing education to our youth – and to our parents – and backing up those efforts with intensive law enforcement," said Levy.

Included in the educational component is:

• A special heroin curriculum in the Police Smart program presented at local schools;
• A resource guide for parents to spot signs of drug addiction, with a listing of the wide range of support services available.
• A series of HELP forums for parents throughout the county;