Greater Focus on Prevention, Education, and Treatment Will Save More Lives
(WASHINGTON, DC) – With more than 87,000 Americans estimated to have died from overdoses in the past year, Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former three-time White House drug policy advisor, is using this year’s National Fentanyl Awareness Day to encourage lawmakers at the state and federal level to reaffirm their commitment to driving down the number of overdoses with policies that promote evidence-based prevention education that highlights the harms of synthetic opioids, treatment for those suffering from addiction, greater international cooperation, and criminal reforms that prioritize holding those dealing these dangerous drugs accountable:
“Of course, we’re heartened by the fact that fewer Americans are dying from overdoses, but this good news isn’t spread across all demographics. Still, greater awareness about the harms of fentanyl and increased awareness about how to save lives, in addition to concerted law enforcement efforts to dismantle drug networks have no doubt been critical to saving thousands of lives.
“But reducing the number of deaths doesn’t mean we’re winning the fight against this deadly drug. It remains unacceptably high. Fentanyl continues to be prevalent in the illicit market and have a grave impact on communities across the nation and those suffering from addiction.
“While the alarm has been sounded on the harms it has inflicted upon millions, it’s important to remember that those suffering from fentanyl overdoses frequently come into contact because of a multi-drug use problem. Just last year for example, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder – making it clear those coming into contact with this deadly drug are often suffering from addiction to other substances.
“Now is the time to advance policies that promote widening awareness about the continued harms associated with fentanyl and other illicit drugs, holding drug dealers accountable, while helping those suffering from addiction. Lawmakers at the state and national level should use this occasion as time to re-affirm their commitment to preventing kids from beginning drug use and helping people with addiction to achieve recovery. We must insist on widespread awareness campaigns and early intervention when things go wrong .That is the most cost-effective and humane way out of the scourge of addiction. Policymakers must also take a hard stance against drug cartels in order to keep their lethal drugs out of our neighborhoods—and out of the hands of our kids.
“Both President Trump and Vice President Vance have personally experienced the pain addiction can cause families, and we hope that first-hand knowledge guides the Administration as it advances a comprehensive National Drug Control Strategy. We are also encouraged to know that Sara Carter, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Director of National Drug Control Policy, is a well-respected voice on the topic of addiction, with a deep understanding about how the border crisis is fueling the fentanyl epidemic. More can and must be done to protect our nation’s young people.”
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