By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation
In light of the recent multi-state drug bust that made history for its size, we draw attention to how Oregon ranks on the issue of drugs.
Oregon ranks 12th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of drug-related issues. WalletHub divided the rankings into three categories: drug addiction and usage, drug health issues and rehabilitation, and law enforcement. Surprisingly, Oregon’s relatively high ranking in law enforcement helped prevent it from ranking even lower. The state’s law enforcement policies, arrest rates, and drug testing protocols placed it among the top states in this category.
However, Oregon’s standing was significantly impacted by its third-place ranking in drug addiction and usage nationwide, as well as its eighth-place ranking for drug health issues and rehabilitation. Many individuals in Oregon struggle to access treatment facilities and support groups.
For residents of Oregon, this situation is not surprising. Reporters like Kevin Dahlgren have highlighted the escalating problems in downtown Portland, where the homeless population often relies on their own medics due to the inability of 911 services to assist those suffering from the severe effects of drugs. This situation underscores the urgent need for a change in direction, as current policies are failing to address the crisis effectively.
