Man Who Inspired Washington Treatment Law Fleas to Oregon

VIDEO – WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE… –

Nov. 1, 2023 – Treatment, Ricky said, had saved his life, and other people should have that chance — even if they’re reluctant to accept it at first.

Ricky had been sober from his alcohol addiction for years, but this 2023 trip to Portland was different.

He was running from his own law.

By crossing the border into Oregon, Ricky found a refuge away from forced treatment as he battled addiction once again.

“That was a sign that his disease was active and he was scared,” Ricky’s husband Kelsey Klausmeyer told KGW.

While Ricky could’ve been compelled into “secure withdrawal management” and a substance use treatment program in Washington state, Oregon has no such system. Instead, Oregon limits involuntary treatment only to people with severe mental illness.

Someone with a substance use disorder in Oregon can be held briefly for evaluation, but unless they agree to treatment, they’re released.

In understanding there are serious issues with untreated addiction in our Pacific Northwest community, Ricky’s story highlights a key contrast between options in Washington and Oregon: access to involuntary treatment for substance use.