Drug Policy Alliance

No one should have to pay for a medication that can save a life from an opioid overdose. Let’s make it free and accessible for everyone.

Instead of getting the housing and support they need, over 40% of unhoused people who are jailed are put in jail more than once a year - often for public order offenses like drug use or possession. This approach diverts public resources from addressing root causes of homelessness and drug and mental health problems, and does little to decrease disorderly behavior. To increase public safety, we need effective, humane policy solutions that support healthier, safer communities.

James Mannion’s died as a result of being denied buprenorphine, forcing him to endure torturous withdrawals before his death. Buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms and overdose risk. His tragic death highlights a major issue across the U.S.: jails and prisons are not treatment substitutes—many don’t provide lifesaving addiction medication, leading to overdose deaths that were preventable. https://lnkd.in/eTdm9Aqz

While there's a lot of discussion around forcing people into treatment, people's real challenge is overcoming obstacles -- long waitlists, high costs, and limited access -- that prevent them from getting the help they need. It's time to eliminate these barriers and prioritize evidence-based solutions that make treatment available to everyone who seeks it. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/egukh2Cw

Medications like methadone are saving lives, but access is still limited. Watch the full story to see how medications for opioid use disorder can be an incredibly effective form of addiction treatment and why we need more access: https://lnkd.in/geGvBUJT

Most people who use drugs don’t struggle with addiction, but for those who do we need supports that work for them. This includes medications that cut opioid withdrawal and overdose risk, on-demand access to treatment when people seek it, and other critical health and social services. And because of the volatile drug supply, everyone benefits from overdose prevention and harm reduction services.

Overdose deaths in the U.S. dropped by nearly 17% between July 2023 and July 2024. But over 93,000 people died in that period. Here's what's causing the decrease and how to prevent more deaths: https://lnkd.in/eXKNjKQj

Health and harm reduction solutions play a pivotal role in why overdose deaths are decreasing – while border seizures and overdose deaths don’t have a clear relationship. Sheila Vakharia breaks down what’s happening and how we can save lives. https://lnkd.in/gHGX3PkA

An attitude we should all strive for. When we can all talk openly about drugs, like how to prevent or respond to an overdose, we can create greater safety for all.

President Biden took historic action by commuting the sentences of 1,500 Americans and issuing 39 pardons. But there are still thousands of people behind bars for drugs. Tell POTUS to grant clemency to victims of the drug war before he leaves office: https://lnkd.in/ekvmj9k8