Failure of U.S. Drug Policy: Women and the Opioid Crisis
Abstract
Over a century of drug policy and law has failed to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. Drug policy and law have focused on reducing the supply of illicit drugs but have failed to consider factors that influence the demand for those drugs. The U.S. now faces an unprecedented crisis of opioid use, abuse, overdose, and death largely due to these failures. A gap analysis was conducted to identify shortcomings in existing policy. Gap analysis is used to determine whether a policy as written reaches desired goals and outcomes through its implementation. Biopsychosocial theory (BPS) was used to frame the recommendations for policy change. The BPS framework of human behavior and wellbeing encompasses all known influences on a person when attempting to diagnose or treat an illness, permitting a thorough examination of a policy's ability to meet the needs of a population. The gap analysis shows the current policy does not produce desired outcomes in terms of drug abuse prevention, and women are affected more negatively than men. Women are at greater risk of losing their children, losing their jobs, being unable to find educational resources, and becoming homeless if they become addicted to opioids. The BPS suggests a shift in policy and law from supply reduction to demand reduction, which is critical to the future of women most at risk for drug abuse, overdose, and death.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1213012
Entities
People
- Janice R. Russell
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School