The real causes and solutions to public suffering and drug use

Media across the United States have paid close attention to reports of public suffering and drug use in cities like San Francisco and Portland, as well as the continuing overdose and fentanyl crisis. Reporting on the consequences of drug policies and drug crackdowns is complex and can often include misconceptions and misunderstandings that fuel mis-and-disinformation.

As the overdose crisis and increasing cries from policymakers to ramp up punitive criminalization policies and coercive interventions like forced treatment continues, it’s crucial that everyone understands what creates and maintains these circumstances. This overview gives information on the harms of drug criminalization, the roots of public suffering, and potential solutions to these overlapping crises to support your future reporting.

Read more