Vermont lawmakers are learning of the challenges of meeting the needs of people in the state who are addicted to heroin and other drugs.
Bill Young, the head of the Maple Leaf Farm residential drug and alcohol treatment and recovery center in Underhill, told the Senate Health and Welfare committee Thursday estimates say 50,000 Vermonters need substance abuse treatment ever year.
And efforts to encourage people to get treatment means there will be more people in the system.
The Vermont Legislature has been working to address a growing problem with addiction to heroin and other opium-based drugs
Committee Chair Sen. Claire Ayer says Thursday's discussion is part of ongoing efforts to learn about the workings of different addiction programs. The committee is not now considering any specific legislation.
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