Todd Feathers, Lowell Sun Reporter, Interview with Representative Tom Golden

A Maze With No Way Out
Legislators look for solutions; treatment professionals look for commitment
By Todd Feathers

LOWELL — There is no silver bullet for the opiate epidemic, on that all experts and legislators agree.

State Rep. Tom Golden, who represents Lowell and Chelmsford, filed legislation this month that would require insurers to cover substance abuse problems the same way they cover physical illness and pay for up to 30 days in a residential treatment program.

“I think in this area we’ve done well, but this is something where doing well isn’t good enough,” he said.