In Support of a Public Health Approach to Drug Policy: Position Statement of AMERSA,Inc

Abstract

The United States faces a profound overdose crisis and a volatile, unregulated drug supply. Despite the availability of effective treatments and harm reduction strategies, many individuals who use drugs have limited access to evidence-based interventions. Punitive approaches to people who use drugs have worsened the situation. In this position statement, we assert that there is a critical need for drug policies to be grounded in public health evidence rather than punitive measures. We focus on 2 case studies to exemplify this idea: (1) xylazine scheduling laws and (2) drug-induced homicide laws. Ultimately, the Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance Use and Addiction advocates for a public health approach to drug policy, which is based on the tenets of harm reduction. The organization opposes punitive measures and promotes policies that improve access to healthcare and harm reduction services.