The Case for Change: Addressing Substance Use as a Health Issue, Not a Crime

America has long waged a war on narcotics, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that we’ve been fighting the wrong battle.

Instead of viewing substance use as a criminal issue, there’s a growing movement to treat it for what it truly is: a complex public health challenge.

From shifting public attitudes to innovative treatment approaches, it’s time to consider a smarter, more compassionate way forward.

Our blog from WellnessPicker looks as the directions this shift could take.

The Tide is Turning in Public Opinion

A 2024 Guardian article reports that a strong majority of Americans now believe substance use and possession should be treated as health issues, not felonies.

About 67% of those polled support alternatives to incarceration for non-violent narcotics-related offenses.

This signals a significant shift in mindset: people are beginning to understand that punishment doesn’t treat addiction.

However, not everyone shares the same opinion. Republican lawmakers have proposed “gutting Medicaid.” The motion could spell disaster for more than one million people receiving medical treatment for opioid addiction, notes NPR.

Presently, Medicaid expansion has improved access to addiction treatment in many states, allowing more people to receive care rather than punishment.

“It’s gonna have a terrible outcome.” Those were the exact words of former AHCCCS director Len Kirschner during an appearance on KJZZ. His realism on Medicaid cuts is a sobering pause for thought.

Possible Consequences of Medicaid Cuts

Medicaid has existed since 1965, and Arizona was the last to adopt it. The state launched its Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), in 1982.

About three-quarters of a million Arizonans could lose their healthcare coverage if the feds implement cuts to Medicaid. The consequences might be calamitous for those getting treatment at a leading Arizona rehab.

Kirschner argues that Medicaid has rarely received positive attention from policymakers and is often treated as an overlooked program.

Yet whenever a major issue in the healthcare system arises with no clear solution, Medicaid ends up being the fallback.

Accredited programs that accept AHCCCS are a lifeline for thousands struggling with substance and alcohol use.

These treatment centers are committed to ensuring patients have access to quality care, regardless of their income or budget.

Purpose Healing Center says rehabs taking AHCCCS as payment are more concerned with providing a high level of care than getting paid promptly. Those are the rehab centers patients should be checked into.

Expanding Access to Treatment

One of the most effective tools is medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

This encompasses medications like buprenorphine, which help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Yet access remains a major hurdle.

The Atlantic highlights how bureaucracy and stigma still limit availability, especially for low-income patients or those in rural areas. This isn’t just unfortunate; it’s deadly.

We know these treatments save lives. Removing barriers to access should be a top priority.

Scientific Advances in the Treatment of Addiction

Thankfully, there’s exciting progress on the treatment front. Scientists are working on a vaccine for fentanyl that could help prevent overdoses by blocking the effects on the brain.

This innovation is promising, but experts caution against relying solely on medical fixes. As The Conversation notes, addiction is a deeply social and psychological issue. Without addressing the underlying factors, no vaccine can fully solve the problem.

Experts agree and encourage a holistic approach that includes medication, therapy, stable housing, employment support, and community care.

Not Just a Health Issue, It’s Also a Human Issue

When people can access affordable treatment through Medicaid, they’re less likely to end up in emergency rooms, jail cells, or morgues.

That’s not just better for individuals, it’s smarter policy and more cost-effective in the long run.

Many forget that addiction is not limited by age, but younger generations face unique pressures. Millennials are especially vulnerable. They experience higher rates of substance abuse, depression, and suicide than previous generations.

Behind every overdose statistic is a person: someone’s child, friend, or coworker. Treating addiction as a crime dehumanizes people who are struggling. It separates us into “us” and “them,” when addiction can affect anyone.

When we shift our mindset from punishment to compassion, we open the door to real recovery and societal healing. It’s about meeting people where they are, not where we think they should be.

An Imperative to Support Recovery at the Societal Level

Substance abuse treatment requires a multi-pronged approach to lasting recovery, arming patients with the tools needed to overcome challenges and to focus on improving their lives.

The evidence is clear: treating addiction as a public health issue saves lives, reduces costs, and builds stronger communities. We’ve tried punishment. It’s time to try something that works.