Traditional rehab operators are concerned about new law requiring access to prescription drugs

A new state law requiring rehab centers to provide prescription drugs to their residents is worrying some advocates. Those who follow an abstinence-based addiction treatment model say the presence of these drugs could lead to chaos.

The idea for the law comes from a harm reduction model that has gained traction in recent years. Proponents of this approach say the drugs are necessary because mental illness often co-occurs with substance abuse.

Proponents of the law want to “give people the opportunity to treat their mental illness and their substance use disorder simultaneously,” says Andy Steiner, a MinnPost reporter who has been following the story.

Steiner shared her reporting with MPR News anchor Tom Crann.

To listen to the conversation with Andy Steiner, click “Play” above.