Markey Releases Comprehensive Plan to Address Prescription Drug and Heroin Crisis

Press Release

As evidence mounts that the heroin and prescription drug crisis is accelerating in Massachusetts and across America, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today released a new report and comprehensive plan to address the opioid epidemic. The plan outlines the broad range of actions -- prevention, treatment and enforcement -- that must work in unison to address the crisis. The plan also provides a series of policy recommendations for federal agencies, Congress and the Obama administration to act upon to address current legal, regulatory, and budgetary constraints and develop solutions to the crisis.

It is estimated that approximately 65,000 people living in Massachusetts are dependent on opioids, of which 50,000 need treatment, but aren't currently receiving it. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that deaths from heroin overdoses increased three-fold in sampled northeast states, which included Massachusetts, between 2010 and 2012.

Senator Markey also today sent letters to the heads of the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services urging them to take action to enact the policy recommendations included in the report. Senator Markey additionally asked the Surgeon General to issue a report on the state of prescription drug addiction in the United States, especially focused on opioids.

"Over the last year, especially in my home state of Massachusetts, I have seen how this crisis is killing our neighbors, shattering families, and straining our society to handle the addiction epidemic. Heroin and prescription drug addiction and overdoses often leave people and their families devastated and without hope. We need to create a national, comprehensive plan to prevent more addictions, treat those who are addicted, and aid those who are trying to help addicts through the courts or treatment facilities," said Senator Markey. "Just as every addict needs support and a strategy for overcoming addiction, our country needs an action plan to attack the scourge of opioid and prescription drug abuse that is ravaging our communities."

The Markey report includes three main categories for federal action to address the crisis, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. A summary of the policy prescriptions is included below, and a full list of federal policy recommendations found in Senator Markey's plan can be found in Appendix A of the report.

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