ROCHESTER, NY – Johnson & Johnson has reached a $ 230 million settlement with New York State after being sued by the state over his alleged role in the ongoing opioid epidemic. Recovering addicts weigh what to do with the money.
Dean is grateful. Grateful for his home, his car and his job of remodeling houses.
What you need to know
- Recovering addicts weigh what to do with the money following a $ 230 million settlement between New York and Johnson & Johnson
- New York and other states are challenging opioid manufacturers and distributors, claiming that these companies helped fuel the ongoing opioid epidemic
- One recovering addict believes that the money gained from this settlement and similar ongoing legal proceedings should go towards mental health services and inpatient programs for those in recovery.
“I love it,” said Dean, who didn’t want his last name published. “I grew up here, my family lives around me. My mother is a seven-minute walk from here.
“I look forward to going to work, I look forward to seeing the people I work with.”
That’s because he didn’t have any of it two years ago.
“I had nothing,” said Dean. “I was on the road, I didn’t have a home. I lived under a bridge. I didn’t have to go anywhere. “
For 15 years he struggled with opioid addiction, which not only left him homeless but also in and out of prison. He even overdosed several times.
“It just went downhill, I stole and robbed people [and] Rob drug dealers … “, said Dean.
And it all started with pain medication prescribed for him in high school after an ATV accident.
“The pills made me feel so good,” said Dean. “I loved having her all along. And they were so easy to find and so easy to get. “
New York and other states are challenging opioid manufacturers and distributors, claiming that these companies helped fuel the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Johnson & Johnson, while admitting no liability or wrongdoing, agreed to a $ 230 million settlement with New York State late last month.
And Dean believes the money should go to nonprofits that are fighting the epidemic on the streets, nonprofits like Gates to Recovery.
“You should invest in those who are really helping right now,” said Dean. “Who helps and who is really out there, not because of the money.”
After work, Dean went to a Narcan training event jointly hosted by Gates to Recovery and Mission Recovery and Hope to support the cause. He says such events are important because Narcan saved his life several times.
“I never thought that half a bag would upset me, but it did,” said Dean. “And I’ve always been lucky enough to have someone to save me.”
He’s not just a member of Gates to Recovery. Its boss is President Randy Cimino, who, like Dean, employs those who are in recovery.
“I want to give you this chance. I’ll pay them a good, fair wage, ”said Cimino. “These are talented men and women who are very highly qualified and only need one chance.”
Randy is a retired addict himself and joined Gates to Recovery after leaving prison six years ago.
“It’s difficult because a lot of people are looking for information, but there’s nowhere to go,” said Cimino. “You come to us, we give this information and we give you directions on where to find the help.”
He believes that the money raised from this settlement and similar ongoing legal proceedings should go to mental health services and inpatient programs for those in recovery.
“This money is urgently needed to help these men and women in need,” said Cimino. “There’s no program out there in New York that is very effective at all.”
But no matter where the money goes, Dean is happy that New York State is taking a stand and hopes this will help people understand the consequences of taking the pill.
“I hope this is more likely to open people’s eyes, and I hope that the right help is out there,” said Dean.
