Missteps in Addressing Drug Addiction in the United States

The drug crisis in the United States traces back to decisions made with initial good intentions. These choices included prescribing opioids to patients in pain, reducing criminal penalties, and efforts to make drug consumption safer.

However, addiction began to spread, and the introduction of fentanyl significantly escalated the situation. The original strategies became ineffective in addressing the evolving crises in various communities.

Host Megan McArdle engages with Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor and psychologist, to delve deeper into America’s misapprehensions about drug addiction. They discuss the reasons behind the recent decline in overdose deaths, identify where harm reduction strategies faltered, and explore potential improvements for tackling addiction effectively.