California Awaits Governor’s Signature on Bill Legalizing Injection Sites

California Senate Bill 57

On August 1, 2022, the California senate passed California senate bill 57 which was originally introduced by Scott Wiener. Scott Wiener introduced this bill back in December 2020 as a way to open drug injection sites as a way to combat the overdose death that not only Los Angeles county but the state is facing. Although the California legislator was passionate about the bill, not everyone is in agreement with it. 

Pros of Safe Legal Injection Sites

There are a few positive aspects to developing injection facilities if the bill receives Newsom’s signature. For example, these legal drug injection sites could save lives in the sense that those with substance use disorders would now have access to clean needles. These overdose prevention programs would also have staff that would oversee the substance use which would incorporate a level of harm reduction. Overall, drug users would have the peace of mind of knowing that regardless of whether they are in Orange County or Los Angeles county, their substance use would be overseen and they would be in a safe environment which promotes overdose prevention. 

The Cons of California Legal Injection Sites

One of the leading drawbacks of this supervised injection plan is the fact that critics have indicated that this bill essentially promotes the idea of drug use through legal drug injection sites throughout Los Angeles County. Critics have also indicated that when you allow safe injection sites and you don’t promote more substance abuse treatment programs, in the long run, you will only increase the amount of overdose death that the county is already facing. 

What Happens If California Senate Bill 57 Gets Signed?

If the bill receives Newsom’s signature, then a plan will start to develop to build and designate these supervised injection sites. It’s unclear exactly how long this part of the process will take, however, it would be anticipated that it would move fast like the injection drug and overdose rate that California is currently facing. Sen Scott Wiener continues to stand behind this bill and holds that if California takes the step to allow safe injection sites, these safe consumption sites will be a cornerstone in California. 

Drug Addiction Programs at Resurgence

Although it’s true that these injection drug sites may help to curb the current drug overdose issue that California is facing, the safest and healthiest thing that you can do during this time is to partner with an addiction treatment facility such as Resurgence Behavioral Health. Our drug addiction experts will provide you with the tools and resources that you need to work through your addiction and come to a healthier place in your life so that you can avoid the possibility of drug overdoses. 

At Resurgence, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of a comprehensive detox program to begin your recovery. This will provide you with the foundation of your addiction treatment program and give you the safe environment that you need at this stage of your recovery. Once you complete detox you will be able to transition into an addiction treatment program which will help you to address the root causes of your addiction. Addiction treatment programs come in many different shapes and forms. For instance, if you feel more comfortable living in a sober environment during the course of your treatment, you may be a great candidate for inpatient care. However, if you have work or school responsibilities, then you may want to focus on taking advantage of an outpatient treatment program. 

If you would like more information about how the Resurgence team can help you to navigate your addiction recovery, please get in touch with us. 

Read about California’s plan to legalize injection sites. #legalinjectionsite #injectionsites #california https://t.co/7DAKanfu4d

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) August 24, 2022