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New Hampshire May Explore Forced Treatment For Opioid Addicts

FILE
The State's Medical Examiner's Office estimates that nearly 480 people have died from a drug overdose in 2016.

The public will get the chance to weigh in on a bill Tuesday that would allow people battling an opioid addiction to be mandated to seek treatment.

About 40 states including Massachusetts have similar laws already in place.

Currently in New Hampshire those with severe mental illnesses and who are a danger to themselves or others can be forced into treatment. But that’s not the case for people with a substance abuse problem. That’s something many whose relatives are addicts say needs to change.

Senator Jeb Bradley, the main sponsor of the bill, says he ’s heard from families who’ve lost children because they could not legally force their son or daughter to get help.

Those against this policy change; however, say treatment only works if the person is willing. 

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