Rep. Deb Manjarrez: Common-sense solutions for Washington’s drug crisis
The Legislature adjourned at the end of April, but I learned quickly that there is never a dull moment in the life of a legislator. This interim, I have been busy with many things, but a top priority for me is to change the way Washington state is trying to tackle the drug crisis and keep our children safe from illegal substances.
The drug use and overdose statistics in our state are staggering. Unfortunately, youth and newborns in Washington state are not spared and are affected even more so than adults. Reports within the last year have shown that youth drug overdoses have quadrupled since 2019, and the state’s newborn drug exposure rates are nearly double the national average.
I serve on Washington’s Substance Use Recovery Services Advisory Committee. The Legislature created this committee in 2021 to develop recommendations for lawmakers to consider regarding substance use and treatment options.
What our state is doing is not working. My efforts on the SURSAC Committee are focused on pushing for bold and common-sense solutions. Below are some of the options I feel must be considered.
Mandatory jail time for open illicit drug use. Currently, open illicit drug use is a misdemeanor with a possibility of 180 days. However, judges are not giving that lengthy of a sentence. Mandatory jail time would provide those struggling with substance use addiction an opportunity to get clean and choose voluntary treatment.
Remove children from drug-abusing homes. This summer, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) reported an alarming increase in the number of children under state supervision who have died or suffered near-fatal incidents due to opioid exposure. This stems from the Keeping Families Together Act legislation passed in 2021. The law was intended to reduce the number of children being placed in foster care and to help them remain with their parents. However, it has led to many children being left in dangerous situations. House Republicans had legislation to address this last session, but we were unable to get it passed. It is critical that we amend this law in the upcoming session. The child’s safety must come first.
Move dollars spent on Housing First to drug treatment facilities at zero- tolerance recovery houses. If we want to get serious about addressing the drug crisis in our state, we need to invest more dollars in our sober-living homes or zero-tolerance recovery houses. These places are often free of negative influence or relapse triggers and have regular drug testing. The structured living teaches accountability and responsibility through chores, curfews, and required attendance. Life skills are also associated with the recovery houses, including managing finances, helping individuals find employment, and developing healthy routines and coping skills. Housing First prioritizes housing without requiring sobriety or mandatory treatment. Treatment must be the priority.
Increase detox holding period to 10 days. This would allow those with an extensive history of substance use disorder a longer period for more thorough medical stabilization, better management of severe or protracted withdrawal symptoms, and more time for the individual to transition into long-term treatment.
According to Stateline, Washington has seen a 199% increase in overdose deaths since 2019. Only Oregon and Alaska have seen larger increases.
The longer we take to make legitimate changes, the longer those suffering from addiction will continue to suffer. The overdose numbers will not get any better, and there will be unnecessary and avoidable loss of life. The Legislature talks about protecting our most vulnerable. We now have the opportunity to step up with bold, and new common-sense solutions. It is time to change the narrative from knowing people who suffer from addiction to knowing someone who has received helpful or successful treatment.
