The Drug Policy Alliance is the leading organization in the U.S. working to end the drug war, repair its harms, and build a non-punitive, equitable, and regulated drug market. We envision a world that embraces the full humanity of people, regardless of their relationship to drugs. We advocate that the regulation of drugs be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements and at every policy level, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives.
The drug war—and the elected leaders who uphold it—labels everyone who uses certain substances a criminal. Punitive drug laws serve as a tool of oppression. They aggressively target people of color and people experiencing poverty. A criminal record can block job, housing, and education opportunities. Drug criminalization creates fear that can stop people from getting help for addiction or during an overdose emergency. Under drug prohibition, fatal overdose rates have dramatically risen and illicit drugs are stronger and more available. For people caught in the drug war, the impacts are far-reaching and long-lasting. Our communities deserve a better future.
Instead of arresting people for drugs, we should respect people’s bodily autonomy and offer support if they need it. The U.S. government must reinvest the funds used to criminalize people for drugs to build communities up.
