‘I’m Matt.’ For Some Politicians, Addiction Battles Drive Policymaking.


Some politicians, like San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Matt Dorsey, are openly sharing their battles with addiction. They believe that being candid about their struggles is crucial in addressing the drug crisis in their cities. Other politicians, such as Debra Lekanoff in Washington State and recovery advocates in Portland, are also pushing for more support for substance abuse counseling and treatment facilities. This shift towards openness about addiction mirrors the approach taken by the L.G.B.T.Q. community in the past. However, there is a divide among leaders on how to address the drug crisis, with differing opinions on harm reduction strategies and enforcing laws. Matt Dorsey, who has been sober for over three years, is advocating for a recovery-focused approach and is backing a measure to require welfare recipients suspected of drug use to undergo treatment. Despite the differing views, the importance of politicians sharing their personal struggles with addiction is widely recognized.



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