All 2018 News Articles
12/18/18 Opioid Doc Tied To 5 Overdoses, Mass Shooting, Fatal DUI: FBI
One bad doctors kills too many people.
12/7/18 Costa Mesa prevails in sober living operators’ lawsuit challenging city regulations
Costa Mesa does the heavy lifting while rest of Orange County stands by.
11/29/18 The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act: An Unprecedented Expansion of Anti-kickback Liability…
Profiteers out to bury laws beneficial to patients by writing articles full of fear, uncertainty and doubt
11/29/18 Why is drug rehab such a challenge for addicts? Here are 4 reasons.
Addiction = illness; withdrawal effects; cost of rehab; avoiding triggers. Nothing here about rogue rehabs.
11/28/18 “Dopesick Nation” Shows Reality of Treatment Professionals Who Struggle with Addiction
Shows “… explores the thin line between interventionist and client, recovery and relapse.”
11/28/18 Ex-drug company executive pleads guilty to bribing doctors
The drug company used pharmacy data to identify doctors who prescribed a lot of opioids.
11/24/18 Investors pour money into addiction treatment, but quality questions remain
"Through Nov. 20, there have been 26 private equity deals in 2018... totaling $320 million."
11/20/18 Prosecutors Watching for Grift in Substance Abuse Treatment
Federal Justice Department investigating Florida, but California acts as though it doesn’t have a problem.
11/19/18 Residents face eviction after federal lawsuit shuts down state’s largest sober living provider
SF Bay Area operator had 31 houses and underpaid its house managers, engaging in wage fraud.
11/16/18 California Fire Hits ‘Rehab Riviera’ Putting Addiction Care in Jeopardy
Houses that burned in Malibu were rehabs; probably shouldn’t have been placed so close together.
11/14/18 Report: Opioid Epidemic Cost Massachusetts $15.2 Billion In 2017
Includes data from the criminal justice system and lost wages.
11/10/18 Multiple Rehab Facilities Destroyed in Malibu Fires
Where will those patients go?
11/8/18 Father blames “body broker” after son dies during drug rehab (FL)
Addict in Florida was offered money and ticket to leave Florida rehab for one in Beverly Hills.
11/7/18 Kickbacks Aren’t Illegal… New Compliance Concerns for Physician-Owned Laboratories
Physicians who own labs can still refer to private insurance programs without fear of the provisions.
11/5/18 One dead, two hospitalized after shooting breaks out at California detox centers as the shooter remains at large
California news reaches the Daily Mail in the UK.
11/2/18 Do intoxicated rehab patients have the mental capacity to enter contracts?
At last, a legal case that questions capacity of addicts to make sound decisions.
10/28/18 Recently Passed Opioid Bill Targets Fraud in Addiction-Recovery Business
Florida representatives were behind the anti-brokering portion of the bill.
10/26/18 Trump Signs $6B bill to “end the scourge"
Funding additional residential recovery is part of the package.
10/23/18 Opioid “patient brokers” who prey on the addicted finally get the treatment they deserve
Conviction for taking or providing kickbacks will carry criminal penalties of up to
10 years in prison and as much as $200,000 in fines.
10/19/18 Huntington Beach, Orange County team up to sue sober homes
Say facilities are a public nuisance and operate without proper licensing.
10/17/18 Most rehabs don’t offer a science-backed treatment for drug addiction. A new initiative aims to change that.
Sounds like Big Pharma is pushing medication as the solution.
10/14/18 Small Portion of OC Rehab Homes Must Register Under New Ordinance
Registration chips away at treatment programs on county land.
10/12/18 Father and Son Plead Guilty to Defrauding Numerous State Affordable Care Act Programs
They paid insurance premiums on behalf of addicts and paid to transport them to California.
10/10/18 How Corrupt Rehab Families Cash in on Relapses
"After entering a rehab facility, 85 percent of recovering drug addicts will relapse within a year…”
10/3/18 Patient deaths bring scrutiny to drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers
"What most people don't know, there are a large number of deaths at drug rehab facilities."
10/1/18 New Rehab Reform Laws Aim to Clean Up California’s Troubled System
Thankfully, the feds actually are taking real action against patient brokering.
9/29/18 Empower local governments to regulate wayward sober homes, witnesses tell Congress
OC Register’s coverage of the Judiciary Committee’s hearing.
9/26/18 Drug rehab operators charged for unnecessary surgeries
Five physicians and four body-brokers amongst those indicted.
9/26/18 Governor Signs law Banning Patient Brokering in Recovery Treatment Centers
Could the legislature have passed a weaker law?
9/24/18 Feds’ New Tool to Combad Opioid Crisis: Data
DEA is using a web portal called “OD Map” to track overdoses
9/22/18 In Philly, U.S. surgeon general calls for opioid crisis “interventions that are legal”
Surgeon General promoting Medication Assisted Treatment, not injection sites.
9/21/18 Workers Overdose on the Job, and Employers Struggle to Respond
9/20/18 Bills targeting California rehab industry wait for Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature… or veto
Brown has until September 30th to decide.
9/20/18 It’s Too Early to Celebrate “Progress” on the Opioid Epidemic
Federal representatives are claiming improvements between 2016 and 2017
9/19/18 Huntington Beach cracks down on illegal in-home businesses, including sober-living home and short-term rentals
DA Rackauckas gave HB approval to prosecute under the state’s Business and Professions Code against unfair business practices
9/18/18 Congress’ latest opioid bill won’t solve the crisis
Money spigot is on, but it’s not reaching the right places.
9/17/18 Group of Doctors Mobilized by a City to Treat Addiction at any Location on the Street
Ten person medical team will prescribe buprenorphine/Suboxone to at least 250 homeless
9/12/18 Many “Recovery Houses” Won’t Let Residents Use Medicine to Quit Opioids
Suboxone, a combination of low dose opioid and opioid blockers can be abused.
9/7/18 Sober living homes are businesses that need local oversight
Rep. Rohrabacher’s op-ed explaining the need for HR 5724.
9/5/18 Juul Co-Founder Say Brand Will Battle Juul Addiction With… New Juul Products
Soul-less business operators find new ways to make money off of addicts.
9/4/18 Sick River: Can These California Tribes Beat Heroin and History?
In Northern California, tribes that rely on declining salmon runs find heroin touches them as well.
9/2/18 Rehab Riviera: Legislation hits the wall
A list of bills that have not made it out of committee
8/31/18 Update: Dana Point Residential Recovery Facility
Dana Point continues to publicize its actions against unlicensed houses
8/30/18 Senator Bates Pushes Legislation to Strengthen Law for Patients of Residential Treatment Facilities
The bill slightly tweaks existing laws to give DHCS more opportunities to decline licenses.
8/30/18 Orange County DA Holds Presentation on New Task Force
District Attorney’s office publicizes its Sober Living Task Force at SJC City Council meeting.
8/30/18 CDC: States struggle with onslaght (sic) of “complex” opioid overdose deaths
The CDC studied nearly 12,000 opioid overdoses from mid 2016-2017. Nearly 60% were street drugs.
“Opportunities to Prevent Overdose Deaths Involving Prescription and Illicit Opioids, 11 States, 7/16-6/17"
8/27/18 Clayton bans homes for released inmates everywhere except for two areas
Clayton, CA recognizes that felons are not entitled to Fair Housing.
8/25/18 Behind the luxury: Turmoil and shoddy care inside five-star addiction treatment centers
$24,000 per month. Described by staff as “a drug hotel and brother rather than a recovery center."
8/21/18 Mom speaks out about son’s death after OC doc found guilty of sober home scam
Doctor convicted of fraud by OC District Attorneys still practicing.
8/20/18 Regulating Sober Living Homes
National news article references Advocates for Responsible Treatment data when describing issue.
8/15/18 Betty Ford Foundation Claims Groups Fraudulently Using Name
Businesses using their name and trademark were routing customers to other centers in other states.
8/15/18 Rehab center sues Concord for allegedly blocking methadone clinic
Is it a clinic or an office, and if one or the other, is it allowed in a mixed-use zone?
8/13/18 Facebook restricts addiction treatment ads in move to curb ‘predatory behavior’
Facebook hiring third party vendor “LegitScript,” which will supposedly check backgrounds.
8/10/18 City of Dana Point Puts out Statement on Sober Living Home Litigation
DP indicates that after suing 14 houses for operating without a state license,
twelve houses have closed.
8/9/18 Combating the Opioid Crisis: Walters Examines Treatment and Recovery Homes
Rep. Mimi Walters speaks about fraudulent recovery residences.
8/8/18 CMS Did Not Always Accurately Authorize Financial Assistance Payments… During the 2014 Benefit Year
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services improperly paid out potentially
nearly $1 billion
8/6/18 Costa Mesa goes to court to try to shut down 2 operators’ ‘unlawful’ sober-living homes
The city denied requests for permits to warehouse 28 women.
8/4/18 State shuts down Pasadena-based ‘Celebrity Rehab’ center over death, repeated violations
A license was “temporarily” suspended, and DHCS is now seeking permanent revocation.
8/3/18 The Facebook Page that Led to 30 Drug-Rehab Arrests
Informants found it easier to connect to investigators through Facebook.
8/3/18 Google Lifts Ban on Addiction Rehab Ads
As if anything in the industry has changed, other than Google wasn’t making enough money.
Now, they’re using LegitScript so they can pretend they have ethical operators.
7/27/18 As rehab centers expand in Southern California, so do hassles with neighbors
Hollywood Hills owners’ robbed by a man at the rehab next door.
7/27/18 Newport Beach doctor sentenced to year in jail for urine test billing fraud in sober-living homes
Last year’s District Attorney’s case goes to sentencing for $22-million urine test billing scheme.
7/27/18 Sober Living, Day 4: Lawmakers must force industry to shape up, many say
Summarizes legislation in Sacramento.
7/27/18 Sober Living, Day 3: Lawsuits pile up; drive couple out of business
The homeowners get into the business itself, looking for a tenant that would pay $30k per month.
7/26/18 Clean, Sober and $41,000 Deep in Out-of-Pocket
"It takes eight years, and four to five attempts at treatment, for the average person addicted
to opioids to achieve one year of remission, according to John Kelly, a researcher and
professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, whom Ms. Macy cited in her Sunday
Review essay.”
7/26/18 Addiction Treatment Industry executives face off with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
Subcommittee still investigating treatment practices.
7/26/18 Sober Living Day 2: Financial lifeline or neighborhood blight?
Homeowners claim their business in a residential neighborhood is legal because tenants are
disabled.
7/25/18 Sober Living: Modern family or big business?
First part of an OC Register Series on a house operated by Sobertec in Talega/San Clemente.
7/20/18 “I Am Going to Die if I Keep Living the Way I Am.” She Was Right.
"Tess herself believed that abstinence-based rehabs were her best shot at success. She
believed this despite the fact that of all her friends who used, she knew only two who had
achieved a lasting recovery by following the 12 steps…”
7/26/18 Sober Living: Modern family or big business?
Article details successful lawsuit between recovery house operated by Sobertec and neighbors in San Clemente.
7/24/18 Rohit Chopra Letter to House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee
Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission details industry irregularities.
7/24/18 Addiction industry executives face off with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
"And because there is no agreed upon standard definition of what quality care is, and isn’t,
there’s no ability to rank facilities on quality, and no easy way for consumers to get information,
noted Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Florida."
7/24/18 Energy and Commerce: Examining advertising and marketing practices within the substance use treatment industry
The House Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on this issue on Tuesday.
7/23/18 Councilwoman Katrina Foley is taking the right path on sober-living homes
A letter to the editor of the LA times in support of Costa Mesa candidate for mayor.
7/20/18 Reaching out to meet halfway: introducing Stephani Ogas, the woman at the center of Dana Point’s homeless conversation
Mercy House’s Outreach Coordinator for Dana Point and Costa Mesa speaks about
her work and encounters with homeless addicts
7/20/18 Mentally ill man reported missing from Hemet
Man who left King-Stone Sober Living facility on Friday, June 21 has not been seen
on social media since early July.
7/19/18 Recruiters pay vulnerable addicts to try experimental treatment to kick heroin
' '"You don't pay somebody to have surgery," Berry said. "You don't prey on vulnerable people who
are trying their hardest to stay alive and have a real life again."'
7/18/18 Costa Mesa council denies permits for 2 sober living homes
'"Council members cited the testimony of nearby residents who said the facilities --
one with up to eight residents at 268 Knox St. and the other housing as many as 22
people at 3016 and 3018 Jeffrey Drive — have had several negative effects on their
neighborhoods.”'
7/13/18 More sober-living permit appeals await Costa Mesa council review
The steady stream of local sober-living home permit reviews is set to resume in Costa
Mesa City Hall.
7/6/18 Drug Dealers on Facebook Are Targeting People with Addiction
A reporter poses as a potential customer and experienced aggressive marketing tactics.
7/5/18 The Drug Rehab Agency launches big data service for treatment centers with multiple locations
Scary indication of how marketing is trying to target addicts very specifically.
7/5/18 Rubio wants to stop kickbacks that keep drug addicts perpetually in recovery
Rubio is set to introduce a bill that will reward companies that successfully get people
clean by prohibiting addiction call centers from making money off patient referrals not
grounded in treatment providers’ reputability.
7/5/18 Primary Care can be a big part of the answer to the opioid crisis, doctors say
The New England Journal of Medicine published a series of papers recommending that
primary care physicians have more power to offer buprenorphine and methadone to
patients struggling with addiction.
7/4/18 California’s homelessness crisis threatens tourism
The worst in the nation, California’s homeless crisis scares tourists away from California’s
cities, especially San Francisco.
7/2/18 American Greed: Florida Rehab Gone Wild
“Kenny Chatman runs a string of corrupt drug rehab facilities, stealing millions by keeping
insured addicts hooked on drugs."
7/2/18 Opioids’ hidden epidemic—fraudulent drug treatment centers
Residential rehabilitation centers are riddled with insurance fraud, money laundering, and
human trafficking.
6/28/18 U.S. charges hundreds in healthcare fraud, opioid crackdown
The DoJ announced charges against 601 people as part of an annual healthcare fraud
takedown.
6/25/18 California lawmakers want to crack down on fraud at drug rehab centers. Will it work?
“The abuse is so obscene, it’s mind-boggling,” [attorney] Meagher said.
6/24/18 Should people with drug addictions be forced into rehab?
While evidence is inconclusive, some families argue that court-ordered rehab was
critical in saving loved ones’ lives.
6/22/18 District attorney announces S.L.I.P task force
Tony Rackauckas described the county task force for Sober Living Home Investigation and
Prosecution at a Dana Point City Council meeting.
6/22/18 Rohrabacher’s ‘sober living’ bill passes House
H.R. 5735 restricts Section 8 housing vouchers from distribution to some sober living homes and extends them to families with members in recovery.
6/22/18 Giant House bill includes sober home policy
H.R. 6 passed the house on Friday, the 15th with a 396-14 vote.
6/21/18 What’s in the House’s bills to address the opioid crisis — and what’s not
A general summary of the content of the 57 opioid crisis bills in the House.
6/21/18 Dana Point asks nonprofit feeding homeless at Doheny State Beach to stop
"An increase in the number of sober-living homes in the area also has created a pool of people who
become homeless after they are released from the homes and settle in Dana Point, officials have
said."
6/21/18 Federal legislation would establish sober home best practices
Rep. Judy Chu’s “Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act” promoting national best
practices for sober living passed the House unanimously.
6/21/18 Opinion: Homeless youth deserve upgrade in quality health care
"Today, state law allows virtually anyone to set up a “rehab center” and offer treatment to children.”
SB 275 prevents public funds from being misspent on substandard care by unqualified practitioners.
6/20/19 Guthrie bill making way to Senate
This bill would establish 10 multi-service treatment centers across the country.
6/18/18 Orange County group homes require far greater regulation and oversight
Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer writes about a $741,094 BoS budget allocation to
investigate and prosecute fraudulent group homes.
6/18/18 Washington healthcare update - Jun 18, 2018
The House passed 25 opioid bills. Here is a quick summary of all of them.
6/15/18 Rohrabacher Hails Passage of His “Sober Living” Home Amendment
The THRIVE Act diverts money from one housing voucher program to another, but with
the amendment, requires Recovery Residences receiving such funds to seek local approval.
6/13/18 Newport backs proposal for more local control over sober-living homes
Newport Beach City Council partially supports Rep. Rohrabacher’s bill but declines to take stance on
the portion of the bill that would remove “substance use disorder” treatment services as an “essential
health benefit” under the ACA.
6/18 Life After Addiction
Time Magazine’s feature on a couple’s struggle with addiction.
6/12/18 Family says questions still unanswered in man's death at sober home
"We have a government-funded program, a sober living house and then we have a coroner's office."
6/12/18 Who should pay for the cost to cities of opioid abuse?
Cities and states are suing Purdue Pharma.
6/11/18 Policing the addiction treatment industry
A general criticism of different facets of the addiction treatment industry.
6/10/18 Actor Jackson Odell died at 20 in sober living facility; coroner defers cause of death
Best known for his role in ABC’s The Goldbergs, Odell was found unresponsive on
Friday in the sober living facility where he was in treatment.
6/8/18 Newport Beach City Council to weigh in on sober living, needle exchange proposals
The Newport Beach City Council will consider sending a letter in support of Rohrabacher’s
“Restoring Community Oversight of Sober Living Homes Act of 2018” (H.R. 5724).
6/8/18 Leveraging an American epidemic
A recent history of addiction treatment, particularly relating to the industry’s finances.
6/8/18 Big Pharma’s avoidable role in the man-made opioid epidemic
Purdue Pharma’s unique marketing practices played a significant role in the opioid epidemic.
6/7/18 What do these political ads have in common? The opioid crisis.
Across parties, politicians use the opioid crisis to woo voters through ads.
6/6/18 Health care CEO and four physicians charged in superseding indictment in connection with $200 million health care fraud scheme involving unnecessary prescription of controlled substances and harmful injections
Tri-County Wellness sought funding from Medicare for unnecessary injections and urine
tests.
6/4/18 Temecula based treatment provider accused of fraud
Man who ran the Southern California Detox Treatment and Recovery allegedly cheated
five insurance companies out of $2.7 million dollars over five years.
6/3/18 Opponents of new sober-living home warn of ‘Rehab Riviera’
Residents worry Encinitas may be the next stop on the Rehab Riviera as new sober home
opens.
5/31/18 Congress demands documents related to rehab industry’s “patient brokering” of addicts
Letter sent to eight companies that route addicts to treatment.
5/31/18 Health officials, sober home operators sound alarm on gabapentin
A call reclassify gabapentin as a controlled substance.
5/31/18 “Dreamland” author says not one simple fix exists for the opioid crisis
Author addresses many angles of the crisis from prisons to prescriptions.
5/29/18 Rehab Racket? “Patient Brokers” Cashing in On Addicts, Officials Say
“‘I’ve been offered $2,500 to go to California for detox,’ Issac, who didn’t want
his last name to be released, said. He lives in Florida and said he’s been paid
three times to come to California for treatment.
5/25/18 “The 13th Step”: Alcoholics Anonymous wrestles with subculture of sexual predators
Sexual predators take advantage of a system that demands self-reflection.
5/24/18 Treatment Center Pleads Guilty to Anti-kickback Statute Violations Involving Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Centers (FL)
A “multi-million dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme.”
5/24/18 Elements Behavioral Health Files for Bankruptcy Protection
“The company has struggled with a decline in out-of-network admissions, lower reimbursement
rates by insurance providers, and a decline in the lengths of stays of patients, according to Martin
McGahan, who is overseeing the company’s restructuring.”
5/23/18 In the addiction battle, is forced rehab the solution?
Involuntary commitment has not yet been studied.
5/21/18 Predatory Behavior Runs Rampant in Facebook’s Addiction Support Groups
Brokers pitch addicts they find online.
5/21/18 John Oliver Shines a Light on the Unregulated Rehab Industry on Last Week Tonight
A 20 minute rehash of “The Business of Recovery” clearly conveys the problems. (Language)
5/21/18 She said she’d free them from addiction. She turned them into her personal servants
Addicts in NC put to work, without training, to care for the elderly and disabled.
5/20/18 For some struggling with addiction, jail has become de facto treatment
Inmates often do not receive additional counseling that would help them from relapse.
5/20/18 Man nearly homeless because company hasn’t paid employees
Insurance companies have turned off the spigot to Sovereign Health
5/17/18 Debates over sober-living homes often turn into bullying sessions
Former Costa Mesa City Council Member lists ways in which industry attacks citizens, including lawsuits.
5/14/18 Sober Living Homes and the Regulations They Need
ACC-Orange County draws attention to the issue but brings the wrong solution: third party certification.
5/14/18 West Covina Mayor named in drug investigation
Recovering addict found unconscious at a hotel.
5/11/18 Mayors Seek State Audit of OC Homeless Mental Health Money
Is the county stockpiling money it isn’t spending?
5/10/18 Sens. Rubio, Nelson push bill to help consumers identify illicit sober homes
The “Sober Home Fraud Detection Act” would give public and insurers access to information about addiction treatment businesses businesses.
5/8/18 Listener emails John & Ken to Warn About San Clemente’s Homeless Problem.
Photographs by an anonymous resident regarding homeless addicts
5/4/18 Caltrans workers protest having to clean human waste needles from homeless camps.
Have filed grievance with the state
5/4/18 One Senator’s Push to Curb Opioid Abuse - and to Rein in the Facilities That Shelter Addicts
Covering Sen. Pat Bates’ work on the issue.
5/3/18 Safe Seattle: A Recovering Addict’s Perspective
5/1/18 Citizens 2018 Candidate Forum for 49th Congressional Race
We’re working for you!
5/1/18 More schools stocking NARCAN amid growing opioid epidemic
Important step for saving lives
5/18 The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous
AA’s 12-step model forms the foundation of most California-certified, “social model”
treatment centers. While it clearly works for some, “…researchers have debunked
central tenets of AA doctrine and found dozens of other treatments more effective."
4/28/18 Federal law requires Logan to accept higher occupancy for sober living facility (UT)
City decided this group was operating “like a family,” so the duplex could have 12 people rather than 6
5/4/18 One Senator’s Push to Curb Opioid Abuse - and to Rein in the Facilities That Shelter Addicts
Covering Sen. Pat Bates’ work on the issue.
5/1/18 Citizens 2018 Candidate Forum for 49th Congressional Race
We’re working for you!
5/1/18 More schools stocking NARCAN amid growing opioid epidemic
Important step for saving lives
4/28/18 Amid the opioid epidemic, white means victim, black means addict
Characterizing addiction by race.
4/26/18 Undercover operation leads to Modesto doctor’s arrest in opioid-prescription fraud
Doctor selling prescriptions for cash
4/24/18 Doing the “sober-living dance” on the Orange County coast
“At many of these group homes, he said, there’s no sober in sober-living.”
4/24/18 Legislators take aim at scams in the drug rehab industry
OC Register covers the bills in Sacramento
4/23/18 There’s a science-backed treatment for drug addiction that works — but it’s nearly impossible to get
Medication assisted treatment is supposed to be more successful but access is limited by insurance plans.
4/23/18 The Story of this Drug Rehab-Turned-Violent Cult is Wild, Wild Country-Caliber Bizarre
The story of Syanon
4/20/18 Rehab Riviera: Addiction rehab ads will return to Google, but they’ll be vetted
Right. Believe this when you see Google visiting all the rehabs in person.
4/19/18 Orange County’s need exchange await state approval for mobile service
Needles will be distributed in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Orange and Costa Mesa.
4/18/18 A Sobering Look at Fake Online Reviews
We know fake reviews for recovery are rampant, but are criminals really this organized?
4/17/18 Patrick Kennedy profits from opioid-addiction firms
The representative behind the Mental Health Parity Act of 2008 is paid by industry and doesn’t see a conflict.
4/17/18 Baugh on campaign flyers: They are just making stuff up and throwing it out to see what sticks
Huntington Beach candidate affiliated with Recovery Residences finds campaign is taking heat.
4/12/18 Woman Searches for Answers after Her Brother Dies in Sober Living Home
Believes her brother was dead in a Stockton recovery house for more than a day before anyone noticed.
4/12/18 Sen. Brown Wants to Combine Job Training with Addiction Recovery
Ohio Senator plans to get funding to do both together.
4/10/18 Addiction recovery advocates pressure state to change sober living laws
Industry is pushing that its houses be allowed to operate in neighborhoods, even if they
don’t adhere to court-approved-of “family” relationships. Example of the national trend in NJ.
4/6/18 Deaths, financial chaos bring scrutiny to Rehab Riviera recovery industry
Son a notable politician dies; patient hangs himself; business goes bankrupt;
4/5/18 City of San Clemente Hires Law Firms to Tackle Opioid-Producing Companies
Has joined the National Opioid Litigation Consortium
4/1/18 Addiction Rehab is Broken. Can Technology Fix It?
App Developers looking at helping.
3/30/18 Costa Mesa hires high-profile attorney to defend against sober-living lawsuits
Keller will likely end up trying cases in front of the 9th Circuit.
3/30/18 When fighting an opioid addiction, prepare for years of vigilance and long-term medication
People addicted to opioids face staggering relapse rates of 80% to 90% within 90 days
if they try short-term rehab or detox programs that wean them off the drugs without
assistance from medications, says Richard Rawson, a UCLA psychiatry professor emeritus.
3/30/18 Opioid manufacturers to pay New York $100M a year
A reason for San Clemente to sue them.
3/29/18 Local Legislators Craft Controls on Sober Living Homes
Article on AB 3162, from your action item above.
3/29/18 Nick Bowling pleads no contest to manslaughter in 2016 sober living death of Frank Rogers
Murder took place in a recovery residence.
3/28/18 OC Homeless: Costa Mesa Gets Their Turn to Say, “Not In My Backyard"
“'We have to call it what it is. It’s not a homeless problem, it’s an addict problem,
and until we treat it as such, it’s not gonna go away,' one man told the council.”
3/28/18 Calif. Bill Targets Profiteering in Addiction Treatment, Dialysis Industries
Targets “Premium assistance programs.” Industry opposes, of course.
3/27/18 Florida prosecutor Dave Aronberg sees parallels in rogue rehabs in Florida and Southern California
Advocates for Responsible Treatment was instrumental in getting him to meet with local DA’s.
3/22/18 Omissions on Death Certificates Lead to Undercounting of Opioid Overdoses
As well as deaths associated with treatment.
3/22/18 Sober Living Facilities in Tucson Set to Become State Regulated
Arizona’s State Legislature passing rules addressing unlicensed Recovery Residences. Why can’t we?
3/22/18 Lawsuit alleges Costa Mesa’s sober-living regulations are discriminatory and unconstitutional
Costa Mesa is the second densest city in the state. Here we go again. Where are our federal representatives?
3/21/18 North County Report: What Do the Democrats Competing for Issa’s Seat Actually Believe?
San Diego media interviews four candidates. Only one mentions recovery residences.
3/21/18 Colorado cited this drug rehab center operator 50 times in 3 years, and it’s still in business. Iowa shut it down in 2 months
At least, they came out and inspected.
3/19/18 Aronberg: Fix Federal Law to Promote Drug Recovery over Relapse
Democrat offers suggestions to improve ACA so that bad operators close their doors.
3/19/18 Trump’s opioid plan to take three-pronged approach, including death penalty for high-volume traffickers
Our President on the issue.
3/17/18 A clear need to close a deadly loophole
The Denver Post Editorial Board calls it like it is.
3/8/18 After Addiction Comes Families’ Second Blow: The Crushing Cost of Rehab
It’s easier and legal for addiction treatment providers to bilk the families.
3/14/18 Panel: Opioid Epidemic a Social as Much as a Medical Problem
Suggestion is better social cohesion.
3/13/18 Activists Litter Museum with Pill Bottles, Stage “Die In” to Protest Sackler Family Donations
The Sackler family made billions off of oxycontin. This protest was at the Met in NYC.
3/13/18 DA’s new team probes abuses on OC’s Rehab Riviera
Announcement of Rackauckas’ hotline, task force and pending legislation.
3/12/18 Passages Malibu Opens a New Outpatient Rehab in Beverlywood
Because Passages can never have enough houses.
3/12/18 Recovering Addict Highlights Ease of Finding Drugs
Nine minutes to run through McDonald’s. Ten minutes to get heroin.
3/3/18 The Scams & Corruption of the Addiction Industry Explained
Industry once again calls out practices within itself.
3/2/18 NBC Bay Area Investigation Reveals Rehab Centers’ Complaint and Death Records Difficult to Track
Shocking data acquired by NBC shows 253 licensed treatment facilities, 305 complaints,
32 deaths, 14 of which are still under investigation, in the Bay Area.
3/2/18 Rehab Riviera: Addiction advertising can trick you to death
Online advertising is a game used by rehabs to lure addicts to unscrupulous operators.
3/2/18 Scammers, Fraudsters Capitalize on Opioid Addiction Treatment
Insurance is paying for unknown treatment
2/27/18 Knight introduces new Recovery Home act
HR 5100 proposes standards for certification of “recovery homes."
2/27/18 New DOJ Opioid Task Force Complements Ongoing E&C Investigation
AG Jeff Sessions convenes “Prescription Interdiction and Litigation” Task Force.
Two Congressional Committees holding hearings… more on the opioid crisis than on residential recovery.
2/27/18 Costa Mesa sober-living home approval for permit to stay open
Confusion arises over whether a state-licensed facility less than 650 feet away “counts.”
2/27/18 Watch live: Rep. Dana Rohrabacher holds a Facebook ‘town hall’ meeting
Congressman Rohrabacher ran a meeting, taking questions about sober living and other issues, on Facebook.
2/26/18 So-called ‘Rehab Mogul’ raped women, dealt drugs in treatment centers
Found guilty on 31 counts.
2/26/18 Feds investigating Pittsburgh ties to fraudulent drug rehab centers in Florida
Hundreds of cases of addicts lured/brokered to Florida for their insurance reimbursements
2/26/18 Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas’ son dies at California substance-abuse facility
Son of former Chicago Public Schools executive dies at New Existence Recovery in Huntington Beach.
2/23/18 For Executives, Addiction Recovery in the Lap of Luxury
Another recovered addict offers luxury rehab at $70-80,000 per month. Executives don’t want to recover with younger addicts.
2/21/18 Costa Mesa City Council denies permit for 3 sober-living homes
CM City Council backs up Planning Commission’s denial of three site, one of which would institutionalize 32 people in a residential neighborhood.
2/15/18 Does Rehab Really Work? This Addiction Psychiatrist Isn’t So Sure
Rehab was designed for alcohol treatment, not for drug treatment
2/13/18 Costa Mesa commission denies 3 permit applications from sober-living operator and delays another
Business was putting up to 37 tenants at two addresses, close to a state licensed facility.
2/12/18 Patent Brokering: Making profit off opioid addiction
Brokers admit to receiving thousands of dollars from referrals.
2/10/18 End of an era: Purdue to stop marketing opioids to doctors
Purdue Pharma, behind the overprescription of opioids, stops marketing them.
2/9/18 Death in rehab generates $7 million award
Detox staff did not send patient for medical care; he slit his neck and arms and no one noticed.
2/9/18 Why the Disease Definition of Addiction Does Far More Harm Than Good
The stigma of chronic illness suggests an addict can never get better.
2/6/18 Alabama sues OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma over opioid epidemic
Another state sues Purdue for its role in spreading the fiction that OxyContin isn't addictive
2/6/18 Death in rehab generates $7 million award
California jury gives biggest award to date to family of man who committed suicide in a state-licensed detox.
2/6/18 Rubio asks feds to crack down on Florida sober homes, drug rehabs
Senator demands federal action on kickbacks, fraud, and trafficking.
2/5/18 Sanders Demands Investigation into Pharma’s Role in Opioid Epidemic
Insists pharmaceutical companies testify before Congress.
2/5/18 Embattled Sovereign Health closing and consolidating centers
Closing El Paso, TX; Chandler, AZ; and part of Culver City facilities.
2/5/18 California wrote its addiction treatment laws in the 70’s. Lawmakers say an update is in order.
Summary of State Senate Health Committee Hearing at the end of January.
1/31/18 Lawmakers resolve to control rogue rehabs this year
Earlier summary of same hearing. Apparently, there is no real resolve.
1/27/18 Mother Arrested in Toddler’s Death After Body Found Outside Sober Living Home
Mother with grave mental health issues living in Recovery Residence.
1/26/18 Sovereign Living Home Closes One Office Location
1/25/18 Man Arrested After Stabbing at Sober Living Home on Jan. 24
Out-of state clients in conflict in a California residence.
1/23/18 Sober-living home operator to close 3 facilities in Costa Mesa as part of legal settlement
Costa Mesa successfully addresses Recovery Residences operating without a license.
1/17/18 Sober-Living homes owner withdraws request for Costa Mesa permits
Another operator is operating the houses without permits.
1/25/18 Legislating Addiction
A lawyer calls for the California legislature to act.
1/24/18 US Warns Against Unproven Opioid Addiction Products
ELEVEN companies warned for claims.
1/22/18 Cliffside Malibu Adds Ouptatient Treatment Facility in Sherman Oaks
Cliffside Malibu writes to the legislature on every bill, attempting to prevent regulation.
1/22/18 Rehab Riviera, Part One
PBS launches reporting on Orange County
1/20/18 Fifth pornstar in three months dies: Adult actress found dead in rehab
Death in West Hollywood
1/19/18 Quest for sobriety often ends in sexual assault at some rehabs in Southern California
… those in Orange County.
1/18/18 Listen to the “Daily”: Profiting from Addiction
1/17/18 Bill aims to plug holes in addiction treatment industry
Sen. Pat Bates has introduced a spot bill that will eventually focus on regulation.
1/13/16 Google is pulling addiction treatment center ads worldwide
Let us know when you don’t see them anymore...
1/9/18 Costa Mesa panel rejects several permit applications for sober-living homes and drug treatment facilities
1/3/18 Costa Mesa lawsuit allege 3 sober-living homes are operating illegally
1/3/18 Addiction, Inc.
1/3/18 The Giant, Under Attack
1/3/18 In Pursuit of Liquid Gold
1/3/18 City of Addict Entrepreneurs
1/3/18 A Doctor with a Phone and A Mission
One bad doctors kills too many people.
12/7/18 Costa Mesa prevails in sober living operators’ lawsuit challenging city regulations
Costa Mesa does the heavy lifting while rest of Orange County stands by.
11/29/18 The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act: An Unprecedented Expansion of Anti-kickback Liability…
Profiteers out to bury laws beneficial to patients by writing articles full of fear, uncertainty and doubt
11/29/18 Why is drug rehab such a challenge for addicts? Here are 4 reasons.
Addiction = illness; withdrawal effects; cost of rehab; avoiding triggers. Nothing here about rogue rehabs.
11/28/18 “Dopesick Nation” Shows Reality of Treatment Professionals Who Struggle with Addiction
Shows “… explores the thin line between interventionist and client, recovery and relapse.”
11/28/18 Ex-drug company executive pleads guilty to bribing doctors
The drug company used pharmacy data to identify doctors who prescribed a lot of opioids.
11/24/18 Investors pour money into addiction treatment, but quality questions remain
"Through Nov. 20, there have been 26 private equity deals in 2018... totaling $320 million."
11/20/18 Prosecutors Watching for Grift in Substance Abuse Treatment
Federal Justice Department investigating Florida, but California acts as though it doesn’t have a problem.
11/19/18 Residents face eviction after federal lawsuit shuts down state’s largest sober living provider
SF Bay Area operator had 31 houses and underpaid its house managers, engaging in wage fraud.
11/16/18 California Fire Hits ‘Rehab Riviera’ Putting Addiction Care in Jeopardy
Houses that burned in Malibu were rehabs; probably shouldn’t have been placed so close together.
11/14/18 Report: Opioid Epidemic Cost Massachusetts $15.2 Billion In 2017
Includes data from the criminal justice system and lost wages.
11/10/18 Multiple Rehab Facilities Destroyed in Malibu Fires
Where will those patients go?
11/8/18 Father blames “body broker” after son dies during drug rehab (FL)
Addict in Florida was offered money and ticket to leave Florida rehab for one in Beverly Hills.
11/7/18 Kickbacks Aren’t Illegal… New Compliance Concerns for Physician-Owned Laboratories
Physicians who own labs can still refer to private insurance programs without fear of the provisions.
11/5/18 One dead, two hospitalized after shooting breaks out at California detox centers as the shooter remains at large
California news reaches the Daily Mail in the UK.
11/2/18 Do intoxicated rehab patients have the mental capacity to enter contracts?
At last, a legal case that questions capacity of addicts to make sound decisions.
10/28/18 Recently Passed Opioid Bill Targets Fraud in Addiction-Recovery Business
Florida representatives were behind the anti-brokering portion of the bill.
10/26/18 Trump Signs $6B bill to “end the scourge"
Funding additional residential recovery is part of the package.
10/23/18 Opioid “patient brokers” who prey on the addicted finally get the treatment they deserve
Conviction for taking or providing kickbacks will carry criminal penalties of up to
10 years in prison and as much as $200,000 in fines.
10/19/18 Huntington Beach, Orange County team up to sue sober homes
Say facilities are a public nuisance and operate without proper licensing.
10/17/18 Most rehabs don’t offer a science-backed treatment for drug addiction. A new initiative aims to change that.
Sounds like Big Pharma is pushing medication as the solution.
10/14/18 Small Portion of OC Rehab Homes Must Register Under New Ordinance
Registration chips away at treatment programs on county land.
10/12/18 Father and Son Plead Guilty to Defrauding Numerous State Affordable Care Act Programs
They paid insurance premiums on behalf of addicts and paid to transport them to California.
10/10/18 How Corrupt Rehab Families Cash in on Relapses
"After entering a rehab facility, 85 percent of recovering drug addicts will relapse within a year…”
10/3/18 Patient deaths bring scrutiny to drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers
"What most people don't know, there are a large number of deaths at drug rehab facilities."
10/1/18 New Rehab Reform Laws Aim to Clean Up California’s Troubled System
Thankfully, the feds actually are taking real action against patient brokering.
9/29/18 Empower local governments to regulate wayward sober homes, witnesses tell Congress
OC Register’s coverage of the Judiciary Committee’s hearing.
9/26/18 Drug rehab operators charged for unnecessary surgeries
Five physicians and four body-brokers amongst those indicted.
9/26/18 Governor Signs law Banning Patient Brokering in Recovery Treatment Centers
Could the legislature have passed a weaker law?
9/24/18 Feds’ New Tool to Combad Opioid Crisis: Data
DEA is using a web portal called “OD Map” to track overdoses
9/22/18 In Philly, U.S. surgeon general calls for opioid crisis “interventions that are legal”
Surgeon General promoting Medication Assisted Treatment, not injection sites.
9/21/18 Workers Overdose on the Job, and Employers Struggle to Respond
9/20/18 Bills targeting California rehab industry wait for Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature… or veto
Brown has until September 30th to decide.
9/20/18 It’s Too Early to Celebrate “Progress” on the Opioid Epidemic
Federal representatives are claiming improvements between 2016 and 2017
9/19/18 Huntington Beach cracks down on illegal in-home businesses, including sober-living home and short-term rentals
DA Rackauckas gave HB approval to prosecute under the state’s Business and Professions Code against unfair business practices
9/18/18 Congress’ latest opioid bill won’t solve the crisis
Money spigot is on, but it’s not reaching the right places.
9/17/18 Group of Doctors Mobilized by a City to Treat Addiction at any Location on the Street
Ten person medical team will prescribe buprenorphine/Suboxone to at least 250 homeless
9/12/18 Many “Recovery Houses” Won’t Let Residents Use Medicine to Quit Opioids
Suboxone, a combination of low dose opioid and opioid blockers can be abused.
9/7/18 Sober living homes are businesses that need local oversight
Rep. Rohrabacher’s op-ed explaining the need for HR 5724.
9/5/18 Juul Co-Founder Say Brand Will Battle Juul Addiction With… New Juul Products
Soul-less business operators find new ways to make money off of addicts.
9/4/18 Sick River: Can These California Tribes Beat Heroin and History?
In Northern California, tribes that rely on declining salmon runs find heroin touches them as well.
9/2/18 Rehab Riviera: Legislation hits the wall
A list of bills that have not made it out of committee
8/31/18 Update: Dana Point Residential Recovery Facility
Dana Point continues to publicize its actions against unlicensed houses
8/30/18 Senator Bates Pushes Legislation to Strengthen Law for Patients of Residential Treatment Facilities
The bill slightly tweaks existing laws to give DHCS more opportunities to decline licenses.
8/30/18 Orange County DA Holds Presentation on New Task Force
District Attorney’s office publicizes its Sober Living Task Force at SJC City Council meeting.
8/30/18 CDC: States struggle with onslaght (sic) of “complex” opioid overdose deaths
The CDC studied nearly 12,000 opioid overdoses from mid 2016-2017. Nearly 60% were street drugs.
“Opportunities to Prevent Overdose Deaths Involving Prescription and Illicit Opioids, 11 States, 7/16-6/17"
8/27/18 Clayton bans homes for released inmates everywhere except for two areas
Clayton, CA recognizes that felons are not entitled to Fair Housing.
8/25/18 Behind the luxury: Turmoil and shoddy care inside five-star addiction treatment centers
$24,000 per month. Described by staff as “a drug hotel and brother rather than a recovery center."
8/21/18 Mom speaks out about son’s death after OC doc found guilty of sober home scam
Doctor convicted of fraud by OC District Attorneys still practicing.
8/20/18 Regulating Sober Living Homes
National news article references Advocates for Responsible Treatment data when describing issue.
8/15/18 Betty Ford Foundation Claims Groups Fraudulently Using Name
Businesses using their name and trademark were routing customers to other centers in other states.
8/15/18 Rehab center sues Concord for allegedly blocking methadone clinic
Is it a clinic or an office, and if one or the other, is it allowed in a mixed-use zone?
8/13/18 Facebook restricts addiction treatment ads in move to curb ‘predatory behavior’
Facebook hiring third party vendor “LegitScript,” which will supposedly check backgrounds.
8/10/18 City of Dana Point Puts out Statement on Sober Living Home Litigation
DP indicates that after suing 14 houses for operating without a state license,
twelve houses have closed.
8/9/18 Combating the Opioid Crisis: Walters Examines Treatment and Recovery Homes
Rep. Mimi Walters speaks about fraudulent recovery residences.
8/8/18 CMS Did Not Always Accurately Authorize Financial Assistance Payments… During the 2014 Benefit Year
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services improperly paid out potentially
nearly $1 billion
8/6/18 Costa Mesa goes to court to try to shut down 2 operators’ ‘unlawful’ sober-living homes
The city denied requests for permits to warehouse 28 women.
8/4/18 State shuts down Pasadena-based ‘Celebrity Rehab’ center over death, repeated violations
A license was “temporarily” suspended, and DHCS is now seeking permanent revocation.
8/3/18 The Facebook Page that Led to 30 Drug-Rehab Arrests
Informants found it easier to connect to investigators through Facebook.
8/3/18 Google Lifts Ban on Addiction Rehab Ads
As if anything in the industry has changed, other than Google wasn’t making enough money.
Now, they’re using LegitScript so they can pretend they have ethical operators.
7/27/18 As rehab centers expand in Southern California, so do hassles with neighbors
Hollywood Hills owners’ robbed by a man at the rehab next door.
7/27/18 Newport Beach doctor sentenced to year in jail for urine test billing fraud in sober-living homes
Last year’s District Attorney’s case goes to sentencing for $22-million urine test billing scheme.
7/27/18 Sober Living, Day 4: Lawmakers must force industry to shape up, many say
Summarizes legislation in Sacramento.
7/27/18 Sober Living, Day 3: Lawsuits pile up; drive couple out of business
The homeowners get into the business itself, looking for a tenant that would pay $30k per month.
7/26/18 Clean, Sober and $41,000 Deep in Out-of-Pocket
"It takes eight years, and four to five attempts at treatment, for the average person addicted
to opioids to achieve one year of remission, according to John Kelly, a researcher and
professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, whom Ms. Macy cited in her Sunday
Review essay.”
7/26/18 Addiction Treatment Industry executives face off with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
Subcommittee still investigating treatment practices.
7/26/18 Sober Living Day 2: Financial lifeline or neighborhood blight?
Homeowners claim their business in a residential neighborhood is legal because tenants are
disabled.
7/25/18 Sober Living: Modern family or big business?
First part of an OC Register Series on a house operated by Sobertec in Talega/San Clemente.
7/20/18 “I Am Going to Die if I Keep Living the Way I Am.” She Was Right.
"Tess herself believed that abstinence-based rehabs were her best shot at success. She
believed this despite the fact that of all her friends who used, she knew only two who had
achieved a lasting recovery by following the 12 steps…”
7/26/18 Sober Living: Modern family or big business?
Article details successful lawsuit between recovery house operated by Sobertec and neighbors in San Clemente.
7/24/18 Rohit Chopra Letter to House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee
Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission details industry irregularities.
7/24/18 Addiction industry executives face off with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
"And because there is no agreed upon standard definition of what quality care is, and isn’t,
there’s no ability to rank facilities on quality, and no easy way for consumers to get information,
noted Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Florida."
7/24/18 Energy and Commerce: Examining advertising and marketing practices within the substance use treatment industry
The House Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on this issue on Tuesday.
7/23/18 Councilwoman Katrina Foley is taking the right path on sober-living homes
A letter to the editor of the LA times in support of Costa Mesa candidate for mayor.
7/20/18 Reaching out to meet halfway: introducing Stephani Ogas, the woman at the center of Dana Point’s homeless conversation
Mercy House’s Outreach Coordinator for Dana Point and Costa Mesa speaks about
her work and encounters with homeless addicts
7/20/18 Mentally ill man reported missing from Hemet
Man who left King-Stone Sober Living facility on Friday, June 21 has not been seen
on social media since early July.
7/19/18 Recruiters pay vulnerable addicts to try experimental treatment to kick heroin
' '"You don't pay somebody to have surgery," Berry said. "You don't prey on vulnerable people who
are trying their hardest to stay alive and have a real life again."'
7/18/18 Costa Mesa council denies permits for 2 sober living homes
'"Council members cited the testimony of nearby residents who said the facilities --
one with up to eight residents at 268 Knox St. and the other housing as many as 22
people at 3016 and 3018 Jeffrey Drive — have had several negative effects on their
neighborhoods.”'
7/13/18 More sober-living permit appeals await Costa Mesa council review
The steady stream of local sober-living home permit reviews is set to resume in Costa
Mesa City Hall.
7/6/18 Drug Dealers on Facebook Are Targeting People with Addiction
A reporter poses as a potential customer and experienced aggressive marketing tactics.
7/5/18 The Drug Rehab Agency launches big data service for treatment centers with multiple locations
Scary indication of how marketing is trying to target addicts very specifically.
7/5/18 Rubio wants to stop kickbacks that keep drug addicts perpetually in recovery
Rubio is set to introduce a bill that will reward companies that successfully get people
clean by prohibiting addiction call centers from making money off patient referrals not
grounded in treatment providers’ reputability.
7/5/18 Primary Care can be a big part of the answer to the opioid crisis, doctors say
The New England Journal of Medicine published a series of papers recommending that
primary care physicians have more power to offer buprenorphine and methadone to
patients struggling with addiction.
7/4/18 California’s homelessness crisis threatens tourism
The worst in the nation, California’s homeless crisis scares tourists away from California’s
cities, especially San Francisco.
7/2/18 American Greed: Florida Rehab Gone Wild
“Kenny Chatman runs a string of corrupt drug rehab facilities, stealing millions by keeping
insured addicts hooked on drugs."
7/2/18 Opioids’ hidden epidemic—fraudulent drug treatment centers
Residential rehabilitation centers are riddled with insurance fraud, money laundering, and
human trafficking.
6/28/18 U.S. charges hundreds in healthcare fraud, opioid crackdown
The DoJ announced charges against 601 people as part of an annual healthcare fraud
takedown.
6/25/18 California lawmakers want to crack down on fraud at drug rehab centers. Will it work?
“The abuse is so obscene, it’s mind-boggling,” [attorney] Meagher said.
6/24/18 Should people with drug addictions be forced into rehab?
While evidence is inconclusive, some families argue that court-ordered rehab was
critical in saving loved ones’ lives.
6/22/18 District attorney announces S.L.I.P task force
Tony Rackauckas described the county task force for Sober Living Home Investigation and
Prosecution at a Dana Point City Council meeting.
6/22/18 Rohrabacher’s ‘sober living’ bill passes House
H.R. 5735 restricts Section 8 housing vouchers from distribution to some sober living homes and extends them to families with members in recovery.
6/22/18 Giant House bill includes sober home policy
H.R. 6 passed the house on Friday, the 15th with a 396-14 vote.
6/21/18 What’s in the House’s bills to address the opioid crisis — and what’s not
A general summary of the content of the 57 opioid crisis bills in the House.
6/21/18 Dana Point asks nonprofit feeding homeless at Doheny State Beach to stop
"An increase in the number of sober-living homes in the area also has created a pool of people who
become homeless after they are released from the homes and settle in Dana Point, officials have
said."
6/21/18 Federal legislation would establish sober home best practices
Rep. Judy Chu’s “Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act” promoting national best
practices for sober living passed the House unanimously.
6/21/18 Opinion: Homeless youth deserve upgrade in quality health care
"Today, state law allows virtually anyone to set up a “rehab center” and offer treatment to children.”
SB 275 prevents public funds from being misspent on substandard care by unqualified practitioners.
6/20/19 Guthrie bill making way to Senate
This bill would establish 10 multi-service treatment centers across the country.
6/18/18 Orange County group homes require far greater regulation and oversight
Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer writes about a $741,094 BoS budget allocation to
investigate and prosecute fraudulent group homes.
6/18/18 Washington healthcare update - Jun 18, 2018
The House passed 25 opioid bills. Here is a quick summary of all of them.
6/15/18 Rohrabacher Hails Passage of His “Sober Living” Home Amendment
The THRIVE Act diverts money from one housing voucher program to another, but with
the amendment, requires Recovery Residences receiving such funds to seek local approval.
6/13/18 Newport backs proposal for more local control over sober-living homes
Newport Beach City Council partially supports Rep. Rohrabacher’s bill but declines to take stance on
the portion of the bill that would remove “substance use disorder” treatment services as an “essential
health benefit” under the ACA.
6/18 Life After Addiction
Time Magazine’s feature on a couple’s struggle with addiction.
6/12/18 Family says questions still unanswered in man's death at sober home
"We have a government-funded program, a sober living house and then we have a coroner's office."
6/12/18 Who should pay for the cost to cities of opioid abuse?
Cities and states are suing Purdue Pharma.
6/11/18 Policing the addiction treatment industry
A general criticism of different facets of the addiction treatment industry.
6/10/18 Actor Jackson Odell died at 20 in sober living facility; coroner defers cause of death
Best known for his role in ABC’s The Goldbergs, Odell was found unresponsive on
Friday in the sober living facility where he was in treatment.
6/8/18 Newport Beach City Council to weigh in on sober living, needle exchange proposals
The Newport Beach City Council will consider sending a letter in support of Rohrabacher’s
“Restoring Community Oversight of Sober Living Homes Act of 2018” (H.R. 5724).
6/8/18 Leveraging an American epidemic
A recent history of addiction treatment, particularly relating to the industry’s finances.
6/8/18 Big Pharma’s avoidable role in the man-made opioid epidemic
Purdue Pharma’s unique marketing practices played a significant role in the opioid epidemic.
6/7/18 What do these political ads have in common? The opioid crisis.
Across parties, politicians use the opioid crisis to woo voters through ads.
6/6/18 Health care CEO and four physicians charged in superseding indictment in connection with $200 million health care fraud scheme involving unnecessary prescription of controlled substances and harmful injections
Tri-County Wellness sought funding from Medicare for unnecessary injections and urine
tests.
6/4/18 Temecula based treatment provider accused of fraud
Man who ran the Southern California Detox Treatment and Recovery allegedly cheated
five insurance companies out of $2.7 million dollars over five years.
6/3/18 Opponents of new sober-living home warn of ‘Rehab Riviera’
Residents worry Encinitas may be the next stop on the Rehab Riviera as new sober home
opens.
5/31/18 Congress demands documents related to rehab industry’s “patient brokering” of addicts
Letter sent to eight companies that route addicts to treatment.
5/31/18 Health officials, sober home operators sound alarm on gabapentin
A call reclassify gabapentin as a controlled substance.
5/31/18 “Dreamland” author says not one simple fix exists for the opioid crisis
Author addresses many angles of the crisis from prisons to prescriptions.
5/29/18 Rehab Racket? “Patient Brokers” Cashing in On Addicts, Officials Say
“‘I’ve been offered $2,500 to go to California for detox,’ Issac, who didn’t want
his last name to be released, said. He lives in Florida and said he’s been paid
three times to come to California for treatment.
5/25/18 “The 13th Step”: Alcoholics Anonymous wrestles with subculture of sexual predators
Sexual predators take advantage of a system that demands self-reflection.
5/24/18 Treatment Center Pleads Guilty to Anti-kickback Statute Violations Involving Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Centers (FL)
A “multi-million dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme.”
5/24/18 Elements Behavioral Health Files for Bankruptcy Protection
“The company has struggled with a decline in out-of-network admissions, lower reimbursement
rates by insurance providers, and a decline in the lengths of stays of patients, according to Martin
McGahan, who is overseeing the company’s restructuring.”
5/23/18 In the addiction battle, is forced rehab the solution?
Involuntary commitment has not yet been studied.
5/21/18 Predatory Behavior Runs Rampant in Facebook’s Addiction Support Groups
Brokers pitch addicts they find online.
5/21/18 John Oliver Shines a Light on the Unregulated Rehab Industry on Last Week Tonight
A 20 minute rehash of “The Business of Recovery” clearly conveys the problems. (Language)
5/21/18 She said she’d free them from addiction. She turned them into her personal servants
Addicts in NC put to work, without training, to care for the elderly and disabled.
5/20/18 For some struggling with addiction, jail has become de facto treatment
Inmates often do not receive additional counseling that would help them from relapse.
5/20/18 Man nearly homeless because company hasn’t paid employees
Insurance companies have turned off the spigot to Sovereign Health
5/17/18 Debates over sober-living homes often turn into bullying sessions
Former Costa Mesa City Council Member lists ways in which industry attacks citizens, including lawsuits.
5/14/18 Sober Living Homes and the Regulations They Need
ACC-Orange County draws attention to the issue but brings the wrong solution: third party certification.
5/14/18 West Covina Mayor named in drug investigation
Recovering addict found unconscious at a hotel.
5/11/18 Mayors Seek State Audit of OC Homeless Mental Health Money
Is the county stockpiling money it isn’t spending?
5/10/18 Sens. Rubio, Nelson push bill to help consumers identify illicit sober homes
The “Sober Home Fraud Detection Act” would give public and insurers access to information about addiction treatment businesses businesses.
5/8/18 Listener emails John & Ken to Warn About San Clemente’s Homeless Problem.
Photographs by an anonymous resident regarding homeless addicts
5/4/18 Caltrans workers protest having to clean human waste needles from homeless camps.
Have filed grievance with the state
5/4/18 One Senator’s Push to Curb Opioid Abuse - and to Rein in the Facilities That Shelter Addicts
Covering Sen. Pat Bates’ work on the issue.
5/3/18 Safe Seattle: A Recovering Addict’s Perspective
5/1/18 Citizens 2018 Candidate Forum for 49th Congressional Race
We’re working for you!
5/1/18 More schools stocking NARCAN amid growing opioid epidemic
Important step for saving lives
5/18 The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous
AA’s 12-step model forms the foundation of most California-certified, “social model”
treatment centers. While it clearly works for some, “…researchers have debunked
central tenets of AA doctrine and found dozens of other treatments more effective."
4/28/18 Federal law requires Logan to accept higher occupancy for sober living facility (UT)
City decided this group was operating “like a family,” so the duplex could have 12 people rather than 6
5/4/18 One Senator’s Push to Curb Opioid Abuse - and to Rein in the Facilities That Shelter Addicts
Covering Sen. Pat Bates’ work on the issue.
5/1/18 Citizens 2018 Candidate Forum for 49th Congressional Race
We’re working for you!
5/1/18 More schools stocking NARCAN amid growing opioid epidemic
Important step for saving lives
4/28/18 Amid the opioid epidemic, white means victim, black means addict
Characterizing addiction by race.
4/26/18 Undercover operation leads to Modesto doctor’s arrest in opioid-prescription fraud
Doctor selling prescriptions for cash
4/24/18 Doing the “sober-living dance” on the Orange County coast
“At many of these group homes, he said, there’s no sober in sober-living.”
4/24/18 Legislators take aim at scams in the drug rehab industry
OC Register covers the bills in Sacramento
4/23/18 There’s a science-backed treatment for drug addiction that works — but it’s nearly impossible to get
Medication assisted treatment is supposed to be more successful but access is limited by insurance plans.
4/23/18 The Story of this Drug Rehab-Turned-Violent Cult is Wild, Wild Country-Caliber Bizarre
The story of Syanon
4/20/18 Rehab Riviera: Addiction rehab ads will return to Google, but they’ll be vetted
Right. Believe this when you see Google visiting all the rehabs in person.
4/19/18 Orange County’s need exchange await state approval for mobile service
Needles will be distributed in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Orange and Costa Mesa.
4/18/18 A Sobering Look at Fake Online Reviews
We know fake reviews for recovery are rampant, but are criminals really this organized?
4/17/18 Patrick Kennedy profits from opioid-addiction firms
The representative behind the Mental Health Parity Act of 2008 is paid by industry and doesn’t see a conflict.
4/17/18 Baugh on campaign flyers: They are just making stuff up and throwing it out to see what sticks
Huntington Beach candidate affiliated with Recovery Residences finds campaign is taking heat.
4/12/18 Woman Searches for Answers after Her Brother Dies in Sober Living Home
Believes her brother was dead in a Stockton recovery house for more than a day before anyone noticed.
4/12/18 Sen. Brown Wants to Combine Job Training with Addiction Recovery
Ohio Senator plans to get funding to do both together.
4/10/18 Addiction recovery advocates pressure state to change sober living laws
Industry is pushing that its houses be allowed to operate in neighborhoods, even if they
don’t adhere to court-approved-of “family” relationships. Example of the national trend in NJ.
4/6/18 Deaths, financial chaos bring scrutiny to Rehab Riviera recovery industry
Son a notable politician dies; patient hangs himself; business goes bankrupt;
4/5/18 City of San Clemente Hires Law Firms to Tackle Opioid-Producing Companies
Has joined the National Opioid Litigation Consortium
4/1/18 Addiction Rehab is Broken. Can Technology Fix It?
App Developers looking at helping.
3/30/18 Costa Mesa hires high-profile attorney to defend against sober-living lawsuits
Keller will likely end up trying cases in front of the 9th Circuit.
3/30/18 When fighting an opioid addiction, prepare for years of vigilance and long-term medication
People addicted to opioids face staggering relapse rates of 80% to 90% within 90 days
if they try short-term rehab or detox programs that wean them off the drugs without
assistance from medications, says Richard Rawson, a UCLA psychiatry professor emeritus.
3/30/18 Opioid manufacturers to pay New York $100M a year
A reason for San Clemente to sue them.
3/29/18 Local Legislators Craft Controls on Sober Living Homes
Article on AB 3162, from your action item above.
3/29/18 Nick Bowling pleads no contest to manslaughter in 2016 sober living death of Frank Rogers
Murder took place in a recovery residence.
3/28/18 OC Homeless: Costa Mesa Gets Their Turn to Say, “Not In My Backyard"
“'We have to call it what it is. It’s not a homeless problem, it’s an addict problem,
and until we treat it as such, it’s not gonna go away,' one man told the council.”
3/28/18 Calif. Bill Targets Profiteering in Addiction Treatment, Dialysis Industries
Targets “Premium assistance programs.” Industry opposes, of course.
3/27/18 Florida prosecutor Dave Aronberg sees parallels in rogue rehabs in Florida and Southern California
Advocates for Responsible Treatment was instrumental in getting him to meet with local DA’s.
3/22/18 Omissions on Death Certificates Lead to Undercounting of Opioid Overdoses
As well as deaths associated with treatment.
3/22/18 Sober Living Facilities in Tucson Set to Become State Regulated
Arizona’s State Legislature passing rules addressing unlicensed Recovery Residences. Why can’t we?
3/22/18 Lawsuit alleges Costa Mesa’s sober-living regulations are discriminatory and unconstitutional
Costa Mesa is the second densest city in the state. Here we go again. Where are our federal representatives?
3/21/18 North County Report: What Do the Democrats Competing for Issa’s Seat Actually Believe?
San Diego media interviews four candidates. Only one mentions recovery residences.
3/21/18 Colorado cited this drug rehab center operator 50 times in 3 years, and it’s still in business. Iowa shut it down in 2 months
At least, they came out and inspected.
3/19/18 Aronberg: Fix Federal Law to Promote Drug Recovery over Relapse
Democrat offers suggestions to improve ACA so that bad operators close their doors.
3/19/18 Trump’s opioid plan to take three-pronged approach, including death penalty for high-volume traffickers
Our President on the issue.
3/17/18 A clear need to close a deadly loophole
The Denver Post Editorial Board calls it like it is.
3/8/18 After Addiction Comes Families’ Second Blow: The Crushing Cost of Rehab
It’s easier and legal for addiction treatment providers to bilk the families.
3/14/18 Panel: Opioid Epidemic a Social as Much as a Medical Problem
Suggestion is better social cohesion.
3/13/18 Activists Litter Museum with Pill Bottles, Stage “Die In” to Protest Sackler Family Donations
The Sackler family made billions off of oxycontin. This protest was at the Met in NYC.
3/13/18 DA’s new team probes abuses on OC’s Rehab Riviera
Announcement of Rackauckas’ hotline, task force and pending legislation.
3/12/18 Passages Malibu Opens a New Outpatient Rehab in Beverlywood
Because Passages can never have enough houses.
3/12/18 Recovering Addict Highlights Ease of Finding Drugs
Nine minutes to run through McDonald’s. Ten minutes to get heroin.
3/3/18 The Scams & Corruption of the Addiction Industry Explained
Industry once again calls out practices within itself.
3/2/18 NBC Bay Area Investigation Reveals Rehab Centers’ Complaint and Death Records Difficult to Track
Shocking data acquired by NBC shows 253 licensed treatment facilities, 305 complaints,
32 deaths, 14 of which are still under investigation, in the Bay Area.
3/2/18 Rehab Riviera: Addiction advertising can trick you to death
Online advertising is a game used by rehabs to lure addicts to unscrupulous operators.
3/2/18 Scammers, Fraudsters Capitalize on Opioid Addiction Treatment
Insurance is paying for unknown treatment
2/27/18 Knight introduces new Recovery Home act
HR 5100 proposes standards for certification of “recovery homes."
2/27/18 New DOJ Opioid Task Force Complements Ongoing E&C Investigation
AG Jeff Sessions convenes “Prescription Interdiction and Litigation” Task Force.
Two Congressional Committees holding hearings… more on the opioid crisis than on residential recovery.
2/27/18 Costa Mesa sober-living home approval for permit to stay open
Confusion arises over whether a state-licensed facility less than 650 feet away “counts.”
2/27/18 Watch live: Rep. Dana Rohrabacher holds a Facebook ‘town hall’ meeting
Congressman Rohrabacher ran a meeting, taking questions about sober living and other issues, on Facebook.
2/26/18 So-called ‘Rehab Mogul’ raped women, dealt drugs in treatment centers
Found guilty on 31 counts.
2/26/18 Feds investigating Pittsburgh ties to fraudulent drug rehab centers in Florida
Hundreds of cases of addicts lured/brokered to Florida for their insurance reimbursements
2/26/18 Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas’ son dies at California substance-abuse facility
Son of former Chicago Public Schools executive dies at New Existence Recovery in Huntington Beach.
2/23/18 For Executives, Addiction Recovery in the Lap of Luxury
Another recovered addict offers luxury rehab at $70-80,000 per month. Executives don’t want to recover with younger addicts.
2/21/18 Costa Mesa City Council denies permit for 3 sober-living homes
CM City Council backs up Planning Commission’s denial of three site, one of which would institutionalize 32 people in a residential neighborhood.
2/15/18 Does Rehab Really Work? This Addiction Psychiatrist Isn’t So Sure
Rehab was designed for alcohol treatment, not for drug treatment
2/13/18 Costa Mesa commission denies 3 permit applications from sober-living operator and delays another
Business was putting up to 37 tenants at two addresses, close to a state licensed facility.
2/12/18 Patent Brokering: Making profit off opioid addiction
Brokers admit to receiving thousands of dollars from referrals.
2/10/18 End of an era: Purdue to stop marketing opioids to doctors
Purdue Pharma, behind the overprescription of opioids, stops marketing them.
2/9/18 Death in rehab generates $7 million award
Detox staff did not send patient for medical care; he slit his neck and arms and no one noticed.
2/9/18 Why the Disease Definition of Addiction Does Far More Harm Than Good
The stigma of chronic illness suggests an addict can never get better.
2/6/18 Alabama sues OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma over opioid epidemic
Another state sues Purdue for its role in spreading the fiction that OxyContin isn't addictive
2/6/18 Death in rehab generates $7 million award
California jury gives biggest award to date to family of man who committed suicide in a state-licensed detox.
2/6/18 Rubio asks feds to crack down on Florida sober homes, drug rehabs
Senator demands federal action on kickbacks, fraud, and trafficking.
2/5/18 Sanders Demands Investigation into Pharma’s Role in Opioid Epidemic
Insists pharmaceutical companies testify before Congress.
2/5/18 Embattled Sovereign Health closing and consolidating centers
Closing El Paso, TX; Chandler, AZ; and part of Culver City facilities.
2/5/18 California wrote its addiction treatment laws in the 70’s. Lawmakers say an update is in order.
Summary of State Senate Health Committee Hearing at the end of January.
1/31/18 Lawmakers resolve to control rogue rehabs this year
Earlier summary of same hearing. Apparently, there is no real resolve.
1/27/18 Mother Arrested in Toddler’s Death After Body Found Outside Sober Living Home
Mother with grave mental health issues living in Recovery Residence.
1/26/18 Sovereign Living Home Closes One Office Location
1/25/18 Man Arrested After Stabbing at Sober Living Home on Jan. 24
Out-of state clients in conflict in a California residence.
1/23/18 Sober-living home operator to close 3 facilities in Costa Mesa as part of legal settlement
Costa Mesa successfully addresses Recovery Residences operating without a license.
1/17/18 Sober-Living homes owner withdraws request for Costa Mesa permits
Another operator is operating the houses without permits.
1/25/18 Legislating Addiction
A lawyer calls for the California legislature to act.
1/24/18 US Warns Against Unproven Opioid Addiction Products
ELEVEN companies warned for claims.
1/22/18 Cliffside Malibu Adds Ouptatient Treatment Facility in Sherman Oaks
Cliffside Malibu writes to the legislature on every bill, attempting to prevent regulation.
1/22/18 Rehab Riviera, Part One
PBS launches reporting on Orange County
1/20/18 Fifth pornstar in three months dies: Adult actress found dead in rehab
Death in West Hollywood
1/19/18 Quest for sobriety often ends in sexual assault at some rehabs in Southern California
… those in Orange County.
1/18/18 Listen to the “Daily”: Profiting from Addiction
1/17/18 Bill aims to plug holes in addiction treatment industry
Sen. Pat Bates has introduced a spot bill that will eventually focus on regulation.
1/13/16 Google is pulling addiction treatment center ads worldwide
Let us know when you don’t see them anymore...
1/9/18 Costa Mesa panel rejects several permit applications for sober-living homes and drug treatment facilities
1/3/18 Costa Mesa lawsuit allege 3 sober-living homes are operating illegally
1/3/18 Addiction, Inc.
1/3/18 The Giant, Under Attack
1/3/18 In Pursuit of Liquid Gold
1/3/18 City of Addict Entrepreneurs
1/3/18 A Doctor with a Phone and A Mission