Substance Abuse in Maine
A history of legislation, special initiatives and other events
1949
The Legislature created the Liquor Research Commission whose purpose
was to study the effects of alcohol consumption in Maine.
1951
The Liquor Research Commission recommended that the State increase its
education efforts and the 95th Legislature appropriated $25,000
to the Commission for the establishment of education centers.
1953
The Legislature repealed the statutory authorization for the Liquor
Research Commission and transferred the Commission's responsibilities
to the State's Commissioner of Health and Welfare (currently Department
of Human Services). An Advisory Council on Alcohol was created to assist
the Commissioner.
1955
The Division of Alcohol Services was established in the Department of
Human Services (DHS).
1961
A commitment law was enacted allowing individuals suffering from alcohol
or drug abuse to be committed to any hospital for up to 90 days.
1963
The Legislature appropriated funds to the Department of Health and Welfare
to pay for an alcohol counselor within the court system.
1970
The Hughes Act was passed by Congress, requiring that states establish
a single agency to administer alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs
in order to receive federal grant monies.
1970
The Interagency Commission on Drug Abuse was established to coordinate
state efforts to deal with problems of drug abuse and to make grants
to local communities. Membership included State Commissioners and Directors.
It was placed in the Executive Department {5 MRSA, Ch 379, part 10}.
June, 1970
The Maine Drug Education Program was created funded by the US Office
of Education, Maine Bureau of Mental Health, and the Maine Department
of Educational and Cultural Services.
1973
The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Act coordinated planning and operation
of all state drug abuse services, which now included alcohol.
The Division of Alcoholism Services was established as part of the Bureau
of Rehabilitation, DHS.
A 17-member council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention was appointed,
and a committee of state officials coordinated policy.
Public intoxication was no longer considered a crime {22 MRSA, Ch 254
ss1361, (1980)}.
The Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (OADAP) was created
in the Department of Human Services and became the single state agency
for eligibility for federal funds and developed a plan creating five
planning regions and their respective Regional Councils.
1974
The Driver Rehabilitation Course (DRC) was established as part of the
Department of Motor Vehicles.
Administration shifted focus from alcohol/drug prevention to programs
developed by newly created Human Development and Guidance Division.
1977
DRC was renamed Driver Education and Evaluation Program (DEEP) and transferred
to DHS.
1978
The Division of Alcohol and Drug Education Services (DADES) created,
in cooperation with the Bureau of Safety, Maine's Alcohol, Other Drug
and Highway Safety Prevention/Intervention Program.
1979
First school/community team training institute conducted by DADES to
help schools and communities help themselves address problems associated
with alcohol and other drugs.
June, 1980
The Maine Drug Education Program was created, funded jointly by the
U.S. Office of Education and Maine's Bureau of Mental Health and Department
of Education.
1980
Oxford Hills school and community team in South Paris formed chemical
free graduation celebrations in response to 7 alcohol and other drug
related deaths of teens in the graduation season of 1979. They termed
it 'Project Graduation.'
1981
"An Act Promoting Alcoholism Prevention, Education, Treatment and Research" established
a premium tax that was placed on alcoholic beverages (1 cent per ounce
of alcohol) to ensure that programs are adequately supported {28A MRSA, ' 1702
(1988)}.
1981
Commissioners of the Department of Corrections, Department of Educational
and Cultural Services, Department of Human Services and Department of
Mental Health and Mental Retardation were required to jointly prepare
and submit a report on alcoholism prevention, education, treatment and
research to the Legislature every session.
1982
Project Graduation expanded statewide (to 36 sites).
"Strategies to Enhance the Effectiveness of Alcoholism Services in Maine
Public and Private Agencies" produced by Foundation Associates (a.k.a. "The
Meadows Report") was submitted to Maine State Legislature. It utilized
national statistics and estimates of Maine substance abuse professionals
to assess the costs and impact of alcohol abuse in Maine.
1983
Legislation required the establishment of a data collection system for
research, needs assessment, program evaluation, and reporting on enforcement
of laws relating to drinking and driving.
Statewide Youth Drinking, Drugging & Driving Conference held.
The Driver Education and Evaluation Program (DEEP) became a division
within the Bureau of Rehabilitation within the Department of Human Services.
OADAP funded community-based prevention programs.
July, 1983
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Planning Committee (ADPC) composed of the
commissioners of DOC, DOE, DHS, and MHMR was created to coordinate planning
among the various state departments who received prevention, treatment
and/or enforcement funds (excluding law enforcement).
A 25-member Maine Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment
(appointed by the Governor) was established to advise, assist, and consult
on substance abuse matters (5 MRSA ch521 subchap IV-Repealed 1993 c.410
ssLL-11)
1984
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration held a National Project
Graduation Conference in Springfield, Illinois.
1986
The Premium Fund was doubled to 2 cents per ounce and was earmarked
to expand and continue alcoholism prevention, education, treatment and
research programs {28A MRSA, ss1702 (1988)}.
The Maine Alcohol and Drug Abuse Clearinghouse (DHS) conducted prevention
campaigns, including collaborative work with the Department of Mental
Health and Mental Retardation on Fetal Alcohol Effects/Syndrome.
Maine's Project Graduation was featured in the Journal of the American
Medical Association's Morbidity and Mortality Report. Project Graduation
was held in all 50 United States, and 139 high schools in Maine (97%)
participated.
The federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act was established, having
numerous effects on state programs: drug abuse prevention and education
programs coordinated with community efforts and resources, community-based
prevention programs, high-risk youth programs, Drug Abuse Resistance
Education (DARE), Replication of Successful Drug Education Programs,
etc.
1987
The Governor established a Cabinet Committee on Substance Abuse (consisting
of the former ADPC with the addition of Public Safety). Comprised of
Commissioners from the Departments of Corrections, Educational and Cultural
Services, Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Human Services, and Public
Safety, the Committee was responsible for integrating efforts regarding
substance-abuse prevention, education, treatment, and law enforcement
activities (P.L. 1983, Ch 464, amended in 1988).
DEEP was transferred back to OADAP within DHS with enabling legislation
to establish/define programs for individuals who commit alcohol and drug
related motor vehicle offenses.
The first Blaine House Conference on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention,
Education, Treatment and Law Enforcement was held in November; 150 key
decision makers from throughout the state were invited to participate.
1988
Maine was recognized at the National Drug Free Schools and Communities
Recognition Program ceremony for its state model, leadership and service.
November, 1988
The second Blaine House Conference on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention,
Education, Treatment and Law Enforcement was held; Maine citizens were
invited to review and comment on 17 model programs.
January, 1989.
The Department of Corrections released an interdepartmental Primary
Prevention Committee Report (mandated by the Legislature in 1987). The
report recognized that substance abuse was one of the self-destructive
behaviors that brought children and youth to the attention of social
service agencies.
1989
The Maine Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act established the
Office of Substance Abuse (OSA) within the Executive Department, directly
responsible to the Governor. Its mandate included the adoption of an
integrated and comprehensive approach to substance abuse and the establishment
of a single administrative unit within state government. The committee
of 5 commissioners in ADPC was designated the Substance Abuse Advisory
Group. {5 MRSA, 20004, see historical notes (2002)}
The Premium Fund was "undedicated," meaning its proceeds were now placed
into state General Funds, however, a provision was added to the premium
tax law stating that the amounts allocated to OSA from the General Fund
could not be less than the amounts collected under the premium tax. {28A
MRSA, ss1703 (1988)}.
1990
The statutory provisions governing involuntary commitment of persons
for alcohol and drug abuse treatment was not retained.
The Student Assistance Team Unit in the Maine Department of Education
was created.
Winter, 1990
Major state budget cuts occurred.
Spring 1990
OSA began to "establish the overall plans, policies, objectives and
priorities for all state substance abuse prevention and treatment functions..."
January, 1991
OSA released its first biennial plan for alcohol and other drug abuse
services.
Fall, 1991
OSA was given increased responsibility for training, DEEP, and the Maine
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Clearinghouse from DHS.
OSA coordinated Clearinghouse activities with the Resource Center that
was located in the Department of Education (DOE) (5 MRSA, Ch 521).
1992
Congress amended the Public Health Service Act to include Section 1926,
which is also known as the Synar Amendment. States that are noncompliant
with that law can have their Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Block Grant reduced by up to 40%. Maine must report yearly to the Secretary
of the Department of Health and Human Services on progress in reducing
tobacco sales to youth. Requirements of this law include restricting
access to youth of tobacco products and conducting annual random, unannounced
inspections of tobacco sellers. {42 USCA ss300x-26}
1993
OSA was given responsibility by the Legislature to administer all state
substance abuse programs, including those previously run by the Departments
of Education, Corrections, and Mental Health/Mental Retardation.
A 17 member Substance Abuse Services Commission (replacing the 1983
Council) was established by Legislation. Members were appointed by the
Governor to advise, consult and assist the Governor, the executive and
legislative branches of state government and Chief Justice of the Supreme
Judicial Court with activities of state government related to drug abuse
including alcoholism. {5 MRSA, Ch 521, subchapter IV-A, 20065 (2002)}.
1994
All substance abuse programs were consolidated within the Office of
Substance Abuse. Division of Alcohol and Drug Education within the Department
of Education was moved to OSA. OSA created the Prevention and Education
Division. Drug Free Schools and Communities Act personnel and programs
were moved to OSA (under a Memorandum of Understanding with DOE).
The Clearinghouse (OSA) and Resource Center (DADES) became the Information
and Resource Center.
OSA was given responsibility to prevent youth access to tobacco products
through federal regulation.
1995
Legislature passed LD 845 "An Act to Reduce Tobacco Use by Juveniles." This
law enabled Maine to better comply with the Synar Amendment by enacting
several changes to tobacco control in Maine including a retail licensure
procedure, and making possession by a juvenile a civil violation. {PL,
Ch 470 and 5 MRSA ch521 ss20002(2002)}
OSA was moved from the Executive Branch of state government into the
Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services
(DMHMRSAS). OSA was created as a distinct unit within the DMHMRSAS and
as the sole agency responsible for administering the "Maine Substance
Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act." {5 MRSA, 20004, historical notes
(2002)}
Governor Angus King, Jr. issued an Executive Order creating the Task
Force on Adolescent Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors. The group
recommended a comprehensive plan of action for the State of Maine to
prevent self-destructive behavior in youth and to intervene and treat
such behavior should it occur.
1996
The Task Force report on Adolescent Suicide was issued by the Task Force,
outlining recommendations for the State of Maine. The Office of Substance
Abuse Prevention Team and Information and Resource Center staff serve
on the implementation group for the recommendations, as well as house
the suicide prevention resource center.
1997
The Portland Press Herald published an 8 part series on alcohol, focusing
attention on the damage alcohol causes for Maine's citizens and communities.
The first Statewide Random Unannounced Inspections of Maine tobacco
vendors occurred, with a collaborative effort of OSA, DHS and the Attorney
Generals Office in order to meet the Synar Amendment requirements (see
1992). Previous reports in 1994 and 1995 included data from federal ASSIST
inspections.
Spring, 1998
A Joint Task Force on Substance Abuse was created to conduct a comprehensive
study of substance abuse problems in Maine. Its charge was to review
issues related to substance abuse, to determine how to address these
issues in a coordinated fashion, and to recommend changes in policies.
Members of this task force included the Joint Select Committee on Substance
Abuse of the 118th Maine Legislature and the Substance Abuse
Services Commission.
November, 1998
"The Largest Hidden Tax: Substance Abuse in Maine" is published outlining
42 recommendations of the Joint Task Force on Substance Abuse.
Fall, 1998
"Maine Youth Voices" was created with funding from a federal grant from
the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) for
the prevention of underage drinking. This project involves youth in communities
across the state as they develop prevention activities that address the
norms within their communities regarding underage drinking.
1999
The Driver Education and Evaluation Program implemented a new program
for youth offenders entitled "Moving Ahead."
In August, the Office of Substance Abuse received a second underage
drinking grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
to establish an Underage Drinking Task Force, which began its work in
November 1999.
2000
OSA received $5.7 million in Tobacco Settlement funds as part of the
Fund for a Healthy Maine.
April, 2000
Maine Youth Voices is highlighted through a Maine PBS broadcast. Four
groups worked with Maine PBS to develop and film public service announcements
with a prevention theme. This PBS broadcast won a Parent's Choice silver
medal. PBS continued this project as an annual show working with different
youth groups each year.
October, 2000
First Lady Mary Herman led a Town Hall Meeting in Gardiner to kick off
the Governor's Spouses initiative "Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol
Free." At this same event, the Maine Underage Drinking Task Force released
their report and recommendations.
January, 2001
OSA receives a $400,000 Underage Drinking Discretionary Grant from the
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to fund nine community
coalitions in their efforts to increase the effectiveness of enforcement,
decrease underage access to alcohol, and change community norms that
encourage or support underage drinking.
Sept. 1, 2001
The Driver Education and Evaluation Program implemented its new Risk
Reduction Program entitled "Prime for Life" for adult offenders, which
replaced both the Weekend Intervention Program and the two-hour Adult
Assessment Program.
2001
Juvenile Drug treatment court is established in 5 sites across Maine
(Biddeford, Portland, Augusta, West Bath and Bangor).
May, 2001
Statewide Project Sticker Shock campaign begins. This public awareness
campaign is designed to reach adults who might purchase and provide alcohol
to minors. The campaign has continued each December and each May to increase
awareness among adults about the furnishing laws.
2002
Adult Drug Court began providing services to adults involved with the
criminal justice system in six counties in Maine including Androscoggin,
Cumberland, Oxford, Penobscot, Washington, and York. The Differentiated
Substance Abuse Treatment program (DSAT) was designed to separate offenders
by severity of addiction and provide a treatment intensity and duration
that meets the need of the offender based on a comprehensive screening.
The U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded
the Office of Substance Abuse another $400,000 discretionary grant, this
time to establish a two-year Higher Education Alcohol Prevention Project
(HEAPP). The HEAPP Project consists of both a statewide initiative
that is open to participation by all Institutions of Higher Education
in Maine as well as a sub-grant program that provides funding to six
Maine colleges for development of effective strategies to reduce/prevent
underage and high-risk drinking.
Maine was awarded a 9 million dollar State Incentive Grant for prevention
by the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Eighty-five percent
of the money will be awarded to "subrecipients" through a Request for
Proposal process.
January, 2002
A sixth Juvenile Drug Treatment court is established -- in Lewiston.
The Substance Abuse Services Commission released its report: "Oxycontin
Abuse: Maine's Newest Epidemic. Recommendations are outlined to deal
with an issue that has seen an increase in Opiate treatment admissions
from 528 in 1995 to 1756 in 2001.
