S.157, a win for Vermont recovery

by Sam Douglass

Addiction touches everyone, whether it’s substances, video games, devices, or food, most people can name a family member or friend affected by it. Many people need help overcoming addiction, but sometimes it’s hard to talk about—even with family. The stigma of addiction, and the wound of our pride in admitting a problem, can prevent these conversations from happening. 

But you are not lesser because of your addiction; it proves you are human. Overcoming these barriers to talk to someone shows the strength of your will. Don’t let others define the sum of your life. 

Addiction isn’t silent. It reaches out constantly. Many companies profit from addiction and purposely exploit it. Processed food is engineered to keep you eating. Social media is engineered to keep you scrolling, engaged, and reactive. Sports gambling apps are advertised on social media and even during the Super Bowl. Opioids were commonly prescribed for injuries. 

Whatever circumstances someone goes through in life; they should have the opportunity to rectify their decisions. That’s what recovery offers. As a step beyond rehab, recovery residences in particular give someone the time and chance to live, work, and rebuild a life lost to addiction, but they need to be a safe and productive environment for the best chance at success. 

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation to the House and Senate for passing S.157, and to give credit to its biggest advocates. Its passage culminates a long road of drafting the bill, convincing 24 other Senators to co-sponsor it, arranging a statewide tour to promote it, and spending last summer driving around the state, from Johnson to Bennington. 

At the beginning of this 2026 legislative session, I was very concerned that the bill wouldn’t be taken up in committee, but I am pleased that the importance and pressing nature of the issue prevailed. While the bill looks a bit different after the legislative process, I’m still pleased to see it pass. Few bills pass without changes along the way. 

When the Lieutenant Governor was approached by the operators of a recovery residence about the issues they were facing, he asked me to take it up because of my experience in mental health and substance abuse. I was excited to do some good for something I’m passionate about, so I ran with it. 

I give immense credit to Rep. Eric Maguire and Lt. Gov. John Rodgers for advocating for the bill and being allies to recovery and marginalized communities, and I thank them greatly. I also thank Sen. Ginny Lyons for her care and attention when the bill was in its early days in committee. Lastly, I thank the myriad of partners and stakeholders that testified on the bill or helped me organize the statewide tour last year.