ORS 430.383: Findings and policy.

(1)(a) The people of Oregon find that drug addiction and overdoses are a serious problem in Oregon and that Oregon needs to expand access to drug treatment. (b) The people of Oregon further find that a health-based approach to addiction and overdose is more effective, humane and cost-effective than criminal punishments. Making people criminals because they suffer from addiction is expensive, ruins lives and can make access to treatment and recovery more difficult. (2)(a) The purpose of the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act of 2020 is to make screening, health assessment, treatment and recovery services for drug addiction available to all those who need and want access to those services and to adopt a health approach to drug addiction by removing criminal penalties for low-level drug possession. (b) It is the policy of the State of Oregon: (A) That screening, health assessment, treatment and recovery services for drug addiction are available to all those who need and want access to those services; and (B) To encourage treatment and recovery for people struggling with substance use. (3) The provisions of ORS 430.383 to 430.390 and 430.394 shall be interpreted consistently with the findings, purposes and policy objectives stated in this section and shall not be limited by any policy set forth in Oregon law that could conflict with or be interpreted to conflict with the purposes and policy objectives stated in this section. (4) As used in ORS 430.383 to 430.390 and 430.394, “recovery” means a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential. [2021 c.2 §1; 2021 c.591 §1; 2023 c.248 §2]