Expert Insights
As a resident of Portland, I’ve seen the expansion of recovery services here over the years. There is an expanding peer support network, crisis support services, recovery community organizations, and even a recovery gym. But what we don’t have is enough coordinated care and care for people in extreme poverty. Funding from measure 110 has helped, but I believe until we tackle homelessness too we’ll keep failing to tackle rising drug-related deaths and other social problems. The governor plans to put houseless people in a huge encampment, but it will cost more to run (at $4,000 per tent excluding camp operational costs) than housing someone in a private apartment. I believe the city is making a huge mistake and should instead be funding affordable housing. As a social worker, I think until people have safety and their own space, all they can do is survive and using drugs is part of survival for some.
~ Olivia Pennelle
How Does Portland Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers. It’s known for its parks, bridges, bicycle paths, and eco-friendliness, but it’s also home to the highest rate of methamphetamine and prescription opioid misuse in the nation.1 But there are over 90 alcohol and drug rehab centers in Portland ready to help.2 No matter what type of substance use disorder you are trying to treat, there is a program tailored to your specific needs. Some take a more holistic approach, focusing on the outdoor lifestyle Portland is known for, while others are designed with families and young adults in mind.
Released in late 2021, statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show Oregon’s teens and adults are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Oregon has the second-worst overall addiction rate in the country, with more than 18% of teens and adults reporting a problem with drugs or alcohol.1
Ranks #1 state in the country for methamphetamine and prescription opioid addiction
Ranks #5 state in the country for alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Alcohol is the most abused substance in the state, with over 12% of teens and adults suffering from AUD.
Ranks #50 in the nation for addiction treatment access, with 18% of residents unable to enter rehab.
Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County. In 2019, county officials stated that the rate of alcohol-related deaths was nearly twice as high as the national average, making it a bigger threat than opioids or methamphetamines.2 However, when it comes to drug-related deaths, meth is the biggest issue in Portland.3
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Portland
Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative: In 2021, Oregon became the first state to no longer make it a crime to possess small amounts of illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and oxycodone. Instead, the person is subject to a $100 fine. They can either pay the fine or have it waived by attending a health screening. Those caught with larger amounts of illegal drugs are still subject to arrest. The measure also expands funding and access to addiction services.
Good Samaritan Law: Under the Good Samaritan Law, if someone is overdosing and you reach out for medical help, neither of you can be arrested or prosecuted for:
- Drug possession
- Being in the vicinity of drug use
- Violating probation or parole due to drug use or possession
- Outstanding warrants from drug use or possession
This law does not protect you from other crimes that may have been committed, such as weapons possession or outstanding federal warrants or warrants from another state.
Naloxone Access Law: In Oregon, anyone can get naloxone, or Narcan, from a pharmacist without a prescription. State law allows people to carry and use naloxone on anyone who may be experiencing an opioid overdose.
Resources
- International, S. C. for B. H. S. and Q. and R. (n.d.). OREGON – National survey on drug use and health.
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon. (2021). Oregon Data extracted from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- Multnomah County. (2019, March 4). More residents die from alcohol than opioids, suggesting policy should refocus.
- Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon. (2019, February 15). Meth: The Leading Cause of Drug-Related Deaths in Oregon.
- Multnomah County (n.d.). Addiction Provider Resource.
- gov. (n.d.). Substance Use Disorders.
- Tami, M.L., Treiman, K., Padwa, H., Henretty, K., Tzeng, J., Gilbert, M. (2021, October 13). Addiction Treatment and Telehealth: Review of Efficacy and Provider Insights During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychiatry Online.
- Teeters, J. B., Lancaster, C. L., Brown, D. G., & Back, S. E. (2017). Substance use disorders in military veterans: prevalence and treatment challenges. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 8, 69–77.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). LGBTQI.
- Polak, K., Haug, N.A., Drachenberg, H.E., Svikis, D.S. (2015, July 7). Gender Considerations in Addiction: Implications for Treatment. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 2, 326–338.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, April 18). Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use.
- Keyser-Marcus, L., Alvanzo, A., Rieckmann, T., Thacker, L., Sepulveda, A., Forcehimes, A., Islam, L. Z., Leisey, M., Stitzer, M., & Svikis, D. S. (2015). Trauma, gender, and mental health symptoms in individuals with substance use disorders. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(1), 3–24.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
