Massachusetts Passes Bill on Inhalant Abuse

Via TeenDrugAbuse.org

"Representative Charley Murphy of Massachusetts’ 21st Middlesex district has helped facilitate the passage of a new state bill that includes treatment options for families affected by inhalant abuse.

Currently, Massachusetts family members, physicians, and law enforcement have the capacity to petition the courts for substance abusers to receive court-mandated alcohol or substance abuse treatment in state-approved rehabilitation facilities. Court-ordered treatment usually involves substance abuse rehabilitation residency for 30–90 days, depending on the severity of the substance abuse and its related problems. However, the existing statute overlooks the need for rehabilitation for inhalant abusers whose substance abuse dependencies and addictions tend to go untreated.

With passage of this new state law, Rep. Murphy hopes to bring more focus on this serious problem and assist local families who are affected by inhalant abuse get the help they need. With Rep. Murphy’s bill, the courts can now have the ability to intervene during these crucial moments for teenagers and provide them with the treatment they need, and hopefully prevent further growth of this risky behavior among youths."

Source: Boston.com, Murphy Touts Passage of Inhalant Bill, August 3, 2010