Advancing a public health approach to substance use disorders and the overdose epidemic through legal and policy strategies that promote evidence-based treatment and support recovery.
About
The Addiction and Public Policy Initiative works with physicians, researchers, government officials, advocates, people with lived experience, and others to advance public policy that promotes a public health approach to substance use disorders. We seek to distill research into actionable steps so that policymakers can develop evidence-based strategies to address addiction, increase equitable access to care, and support recovery.
Featured Event
Our Work
Our research prioritizes turning evidence into practical and targeted policy recommendations that can save lives, particularly in settings where people are at a higher risk of overdose and death. In crafting these recommendations, we center the voices of people with lived experience in the policymaking process and believe that they should inform policy decisions at all levels. We also seek to build and develop the next generation of leaders in policy around substance use disorders through training, fellowships, academic programs, and collaborative discussions.
Over 107,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States during 2021.
Formerly incarcerated individuals are between 10 and 40 times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than the general population.
An estimated 22 million Americans are in recovery from a substance use disorder.
Featured Work
Big Ideas
The Americans With Disabilities Act And Substance Use Disorder: Rights, Responsibilities, and Looking Ahead
Read the report
Ways and Means Committee Hearing
Substance Use, Suicide Risk, and the American Health System
Read the Big IdeaOur Team See All
Regina LaBelle Director
Shelly Weizman Project Director
Sonia L. Canzater Associate Director
Joseph Longley Senior Associate (On Leave)
Taleed El-Sabawi Research Scholar
Jennifer D. Oliva Senior Scholar
Our Projects See All
Access to Evidence-Based Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Ensuring access to evidence-based treatment for people with substance use disorders in correctional settings, courts, and the child welfare system.
Learn MoreThe Americans with Disabilities Act and Substance Use Disorder
Applying a disability rights framework to enhance protections for people with substance use disorder.
Learn MoreCOVID-19 and Addiction Policy
Advocating for increased access to treatment, medications, and support services for substance use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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