Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm ET
Recording coming soon.
Contemporary drug policy challenges are multifaceted and rapidly evolving. Foremost among these pressing issues is the deeply disturbing surge in drug overdose deaths, particularly opioids, which is compounded by the pervasive prevalence of substance use disorders, particularly among our youth and young adults. This worrisome situation is further exacerbated by the glaring shortage of accessible treatment services. Equally noteworthy is the push for blanket legalization of all drugs. Amidst these formidable challenges, another noteworthy development has emerged—an advocacy movement focused on destigmatizing and normalizing all forms of drug use while concurrently rejecting abstinence as a treatment goal. Coupled with it is the growing momentum to medicalize psychoactive substances listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Motivated in part by unmet needs for treating psychiatric conditions, in part by the potential for new sources of profit, these movements inherently carry the risk of expanding drug misuse and addiction, compromising public health, safety, and workplace dynamics. At the same time, the influx of new psychoactive substances remains on the rise, as efforts to curb their proliferation are hampered by the ease with which they can be swiftly designed and distributed. Effectively tackling these multifaceted challenges requires evidence-based public health strategies firmly rooted in common sense, to include robust prevention, timely intervention, comprehensive treatment and international cooperation. Solutions are more likely to succeed if they carefully balance individual needs with public health and safety imperatives, all within the broader interests of society.