Developing a Multi-System Model to Engage Substance Use Disorder Population in Treatment

• In Event: Progressive Drug Policies in the U.S. and U.K - Lessons Learned

Abstract

Oregon’s experience with decriminalizing possession of controlled substances (PSC) from 2021-2024 was not just about changing the criminal severity of drug laws. The policy also included efforts to increase access to and engagement with substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. However, the exact means for accomplishing this goal under decriminalization was not rigorously planned nor coordinated across criminal justice, health, and non-profit stakeholders. Drawing from research on Oregon decriminalization and SUD treatment in general, this paper elaborates on topics that any policy hoping to increase SUD treatment engagement and ultimately reduce SUD populations should consider. The paper gives particular attention to estimating the size of the SUD population, resistances to police and criminal justice involvement, access points and pathways to treatment, arguments for multi-system collaboration, and potential models.

Authors

• Brian Renauer, Portland State University

• Christopher M. Campbell, Portland State University

• Kelsey Henderson, Portland State University