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A new approach to combating addiction in California deserves Gov. Newsom’s support | Opinion

Source: Assemblymember Kevin McCarty: Sacramento Bee Op-Ed

As a state legislator and a lifelong Sacramentan, I see the challenges our communities are facing, and it’s clear to me that we need to be doing things differently. It’s time to think outside the box on issues of public safety and the underlying problems of drug addiction. Most of us know someone suffering from addiction. Our current approach to dealing with substance use disorders is falling woefully short, especially for those in the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, many drug addicts commit crimes to support their habit — the recidivism rate for drug offenders is alarmingly high, with nearly 70% getting rearrested within just three years of leaving prison.

Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article280055274.html#storylink=cpy