hotel-xenia
  • About
  • Treatment Areas
    • Addiction
    • Mental Health
  • Our methods
  • Accommodations
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Book Now!
More Menu
How Portugal Fixed Their Opioid Problem
Published on May 20, 2017 by admin On Drug rehab/ recovery

Like everywhere else in the world, opioid overdose remains one of the biggest problems in America. While the country continues to struggle with the issue, other countries are successfully dealing with it. Portugal particularly handles its opioid abuse problem quite differently from most other countries including America. And if they are succeeding to fix this problem, why can’t the United States?

Let’s look at Portugal’s strategy and see how the US can fit in to make an impact in its attempts to deal with the abuse of opioids and other prescription medications.  

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter

While the US slams a $1,000 fine and up to one year prison term for first-time offenders possessing opioid, Portugal slams its own citizens with referral to rehab. The difference is clear; drug addicts in the US are considered criminals. In Portugal, they are seen as patients.

And it doesn’t end there. The American National Institute on Drug abuse estimates that dealing with a drug problem in treatment centers could cost up to $5,000in a year, and a one year jail term could cost up to $24,000. Portugal and other European countries do not consider the problem a felony and will not charge even a penny for treatment.

Start Feeling Better Now

Drug possessors in Portugal are brought before a panel of rehab experts, not a panel of judges. These experts offer counseling and will do everything possible to convince the dealer to willingly go for rehab. It may be hard to believe, but refusing to go for treatment is not a punishable crime.

It is clear that drug abuse and particularly opioid overdose cost the United States billions of dollars every year. And while it is clear that this is greatly because such people are seen as criminals rather than patients, Portugal has already shown the world how beneficial it can be when you help this category of people rather than punish them.

The European country has been successful in dealing with the problem using this strategy. Maybe it is time America copies from them. It is probably time for the US to decriminalize opioid abuse, and channel more attention to helping these people recover from their problem. This model has worked in Portugal; it sure can work in America.

Call now 888-415-0903

malibuhillsrehab.com

malibuhillsrehab.com

At Malibu Hills, we develop treatment plans unique to each individual. Our approach is a blend of traditional and holistic methods, delievered by a highly trained medical staff, many of whom have also gone through recovery themselves.

CALL US 888-415-0903

415 Westlake Blvd., Malibu, CA 90265

INQUIRY TODAY

Recent Comments

    More Posts

    • Addiction
    • Drug rehab/ recovery
    7 Ways Drinking Increases Your Depression and Anxiety
    Feb 1
    10 Signs That Your Drinking is Becoming a Problem
    Jan 14
    IS ADDICTION TREATMENT COVERED BY INSURANCE?
    Mar 4
    Is It Too Late For Me To Enter Alcohol Rehab?
    Oct 3
    5 Signs You’re an Alcoholic
    Oct 3
    Previous Post Next Post
    START FEELING BETTER

    Learn more about our various treatment methods and specialties by speaking with one of our advisors.

    INQUIRE TODAY

    UPDATES ON TREATMENT NEWS

    Signup today to receive ocassional news and blog articles focused on mental diseases and healing.

    It’s time to recover and start your new chapter.

    jcaho_seal

    Insurance

    Check Your Coverage
    PHCS-Logo
    2a
    4a
    8a
    5a
    7a
    6a

    By Phone

    866-604-9070

    By email

    Leave a message

    Address

    415 Westlake Blvd., Malibu, CA 90265

    Visiting hours:

    Sat-Sun 9am-4pm

    COPYRIGHT © 2018 malibuhillsrehab
    www.malibuhillsrehab.com
    • About
    • Treatment Areas
      • Addiction
      • Mental Health
    • Our methods
    • Accommodations
    • Testimonials
    • Blog
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy