Obama’s drug policy chief pushes for a compassionate solution to the opioid crisis
fusion.net/story/375351/michael-botticelli-jorge-ramos-obama-drug-policy/
Michael Botticelli doesn’t want to be known as the Obama administration’s “drug czar.”
That’s because Botticelli, the head of National Drug Control Policy at the White House, thinks that moniker calls back to the failed drug policies of other administrations, which he said haven’t focused enough time and energy on fighting addiction as a public health issue.
In a new interview on AMERICA with Jorge Ramos, Botticelli said he’s spent his tenure championing a more humane and compassionate approach to battling to ongoing heroin epidemic in the United States.
It’s an issue that hits close to home for the White House official. Botticelli is the first person to serve as drug policy chief who’s lived through substance abuse recovery. After causing a car accident in 1988 while driving under the influence, Botticelli underwent a court-ordered treatment program for alcohol abuse. Now, he’s been sober for 27 years.
Although the rate of overdoses related to opioid abuse are on the rise, Botticelli said the administration is already seeing evidence that its policies are taking hold, saying they’ve seen reductions in doctors prescribing the powerful painkillers that can lead to heroin use. He’s also confident that the 21st Century Cures Act, the major healthcare legislation that passed with bipartisan congressional support this month, will only continue that momentum.
President Obama is slated to sign the bill, which contains provisions to fight opioid abuse, on Tuesday.
“I don’t believe that legalization is really going to solve our drug use and its consequences in the United States,” he said. “One just has to look at the prescription drug issue we have here in the United States. These are not drugs that came across the border. These are drugs that came from our own medical community.”
So as the sun sets on the Obama administration, how does Botticelli want to be remembered for his drug policy work?
“I’ve been called the recovery czar. I think it shows drug policy can have a much more humane response,” he said. “We have to have a comprehensive response, and that’s been what this administration has tried to put forward.”
Filed under: General Problems
You mentioned stricter policies for Physicians who prescribe opiates. I am curious what those policies are and for which states they are enforced? I’m curious about Arizona, primarily. I ask this because I know Physicians who prescribe opiates like they were candy. I’ve known countless patients of said Physicians who have become addicted with life-threatening consequences or because of the domino effect of opiates, have other health issues. Said Physicians have not taken any responsibility for the patients’ that have gone down this path, which and by the way is not a path foreseen by addicts. You simply wake up one day and realize that you can’t physically live without them. You realized that you have become the stereotypical drug addict, yet you don’t look homeless you still shower, have a successful career, and have a family! Upon approaching physician, you are made to feel ashamed and surprise, you’re cut off. I’m sure you can only imagine what would come next in this scenario. The results are catastrophic. The Physician holds no blame and no responsibility, leaving you and your family in Ruins. So, this is why I asked what the policy towards Physicians who prescribe opiates this way? Thank you
Colleen, I am also curious: how do you come to know “countless” patients, and so many physicians who are careless in their drug prescriptions? Are you a physician or nurse yourself?
Boticelli regrettably illustrates one of the major problems with current drug policy. As Will Rogers remarked, “It’s amazing how much of what everybody knows ain’t so.” The great majority of opioid related overdose deaths do not occur among chronic pain patients with a legitimate prescription. Over-prescription of opioids without appropriate patient oversight may have contributed to the addiction statistics some years ago. But the big drivers today are street drugs that are much cheaper and more available than prescription drugs. And when prescription drugs are involved, they are most often acquired by theft, diversion, or fraud among drug-seeking addicts.
What BILL????!!!!! on Tuesday,,,,??mary
Mary,click on the 21st.century cures act,in the article,and the bill is explained.It doesnt do much of anything to help us patients in my opinion.
He could have killed some one and probably would have if not forced to go to rehab . Rehab he was not responsible enough to do on his own accord . How does he repay society ? By denying medical intervention for people with nerve damage and making them use dangerous street drugs or commit suicide killing people by the thousands . Did opioid’s make him an alcoholic ? By the very nature of an addict they are abusive , he should not have any say in anyone’s health care .
Precisely, George!
Of course, blame it on the doctors and their patients who use prescription drugs in an appropriate and legal manner!! Never blame anything on those who use drugs that are not legal such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines who are the ones overdosing and dying!!