Oregon’s bold drug decriminalisation sees some success – but use still rising

Experts say decriminalisation is not the problem - the new measure lacks a proper pathway to recovery amid the growing overdose crisis

Callers to the Measure 110 hotline, which was set up a year ago, after Oregon became the first state in the US to decriminalise personal possession of drugs including meth and heroin, may hear Martin Lewis Lockett's deep, reassuring voice.

Lockett, who is in recovery, first assesses the callers, who can use the hotline if they have received a police citation for drug use. He uses an evidence-based screening tool to determine if someone has substance use issues, and connects them with nearby help. In one case, a man called the hotline after relapsing, but told Lockett his drug use was just a hiccup. I know minimisation when I hear it," Lockett said. By the end of the call, the man realised he needed help, and Lockett linked him to services.