Millions of U.S. drug users now are addicted to several substances, not just opioids like fentanyl and heroin. The shift is making treatment far more difficult…
Full story: ‘A Monster’: Super Meth and Other Drugs Push Crisis Beyond Opioids – The New York Times
This article highlights the growing meth epidemic among the opioid epidemic. The problem with stimulates such as meth is there is no prescription treatment. If we could create the equivalent of methadone for stimulant drugs, we could make some progress in treating people’s meth addictions. From a law enforcement perspective, we need to do more to stop to the flow of illicit drugs into our communities. But it is equally important to create new treatment strategies to get people out of addiction and to help prevent addiction.
Hi Ben, I agree with your assessment of the article. I think an equivalent of methadone for stimulant drugs would be a positive small step in helping with addictions. Mental health and drug usage tend to operate together, as highlighted in this article. Do you think there is an effective way to combat both together? As you mentioned a law enforcement perspective, do you have any suggestions on how to better combat the drug trade in America? Many solutions to the drug epidemic are seemingly singular and small steps in making a difference. Is there a way to attack all aspects of the drug epidemic and make a large impact on the addiction rates in the US?
Hey Ben, good question. In my perspective, it may actually be more essential to create and embrace strategies for treatment and prevention rather than stopping the flow of drugs. Unfortunately, if the War on Drugs has taught us anything, it’s that drugs are not going away. People will continuously find new ways to manufacture, grow, transport, and ingest illegal substances as they have throughout history. This will not change. What may change though, is our approach to addressing the issues associated with addiction. By offering people sustainable treatment options and not demonizing those suffering from the illness of addiction, a cultural shift may allow for more effective reduction of drug use and abuse.
The drug crisis in America is discussed in this article, an ever so present topic due to the huge impact it has on people especially in our economic climate. The article discusses newer drugs being used to get high such as anti-anxiety medication, and animal tranquilizer. Combined with the ever present heroine, meth, xanax, and several other opioids that are being diluted with fentanyl. With drug and opioid users finding different methods of getting high, and with dealers finding new methods to make money off of users, what new struggles will law enforcement have to keep both users and the public safe? Especially seeing as drug use is on a continuing rise, what can be done to effectively help these people?
Hi Thomas! In response to your question, I do not think it should be in the hands of law enforcement. A problem like this should be given to a middle man, like a separate drug agency or sending people to rehabilitation centers. Sending officers on drug calls for people strung out on meth is not only dangerous for their safety in regards to being attacked, but being exposed around needles is incredibly unsafe. As we discussed in class, it’s harder to put someone down with either a taser or a gun if they are high on hard drugs.
The ongoing drug crisis has been a persistent issue that affects not only those suffering from addiction, but their families, communities, and society in general. Law enforcement agencies can face several challenges when combating the drug crisis. They have to be equipped with the necessary resources and the training to effectively target and shut down drug operations. Something else that would benefit them in this challenge would be if they understood and addressed the underlying social and economic factors that can result in drug use, like poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues. The treatment given has to be comprehensive and address the root causes of drug use. The programs should provide access to affordable and accessible healthcare, mental health services, and even job training programs.
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