Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced the Assembly passed a package of bills in its final days of session addressing the growing heroin and opioid epidemic that is affecting many young people in our community. Specific parts of the package would make treatment services available to people who find themselves in the midst of this growing problem (A.10159, A.10160, A.10162, A.10164).

“This package of bills goes to great lengths to ensure that young people who find themselves addicted to heroin and opioids get the treatment that they need,” said Assemblymember Steck. “Additionally, the programs established under this legislation go a long way to deter relapse and provide wraparound services to patients.”

Steck noted that his office has been in contact with a number of families in the Capital District, and that our community is not immune to these problems. A mother in his district, “Heidi,” has dealt with this issue as her child has been battling addiction to these dangerous drugs. Steck and the mother are supportive of initiatives such as “Casey’s Law,” which is currently protocol in several states that allows families to involuntarily commit loved ones who cannot help themselves.

“As the parent of a child who is suffering from the disease of addiction, I know first-hand that inpatient treatment is the best option for heroin addiction albeit voluntary or involuntary,” said Heidi. “Casey's Law is an intervention tool for families and friends of loved ones who suffer from addiction so they have the opportunity to recover and survive the disease of drug or alcohol addiction.”