Illicit drugs

An opium field in Afghanistan

America’s Drug War Is Ruining the World America’s Drug War Is Ruining the World

A half-century of Washington’s harsh drug prohibition policies has brought misery to millions across the globe. 

Apr 9, 2019 / Alfred McCoy

Heroin needle preparation

Forget the Wall—the Opioid Crisis Is Trump’s Real National Emergency Forget the Wall—the Opioid Crisis Is Trump’s Real National Emergency

Opioid overdoses claimed nearly 50,000 American lives in 2017 alone, more than 9/11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

Jan 31, 2019 / Rajan Menon

4 Years After the Forced Disappearance of 43 Students, a Father Is Still Looking

4 Years After the Forced Disappearance of 43 Students, a Father Is Still Looking 4 Years After the Forced Disappearance of 43 Students, a Father Is Still Looking

The disappearance of the 43 students from Ayotzinapa is not over for Jorge Antonio Tizapa Legideño.

Nov 12, 2018 / StudentNation / John Washington

Heroin needle preparation

Trump Wants to Restart the Failed War on Drugs Trump Wants to Restart the Failed War on Drugs

There’s a better way to lessen the deadly impact of drug abuse.

Oct 26, 2018 / Michelle Chen

prescription opioids

Can Doctors Lead the Fight Against the Opioid Crisis? Can Doctors Lead the Fight Against the Opioid Crisis?

The solution requires much more than reducing access to the potentially harmful drugs.

Jun 29, 2018 / Michelle Chen

prescription opioids

Should States Tax Opioid Manufacturers to Pay for Addiction Treatment? Should States Tax Opioid Manufacturers to Pay for Addiction Treatment?

Legislation has been introduced in at least 15 states to tax the companies that make and distribute painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin.

May 4, 2018 / Zoë Carpenter

Heroin needle preparation

Drug Addiction Isn’t a Crime—We Just Treat it Like One Drug Addiction Isn’t a Crime—We Just Treat it Like One

A new film proves that there is an alternative, and that it works.

Apr 12, 2018 / Ari Kohn

Naloxone container

The Formerly Incarcerated Are Becoming Opioid-Overdose First Responders The Formerly Incarcerated Are Becoming Opioid-Overdose First Responders

By putting naloxone into the hands of people just released from state prisons, New York hopes to curb this terrible crisis.

Apr 3, 2018 / Michelle Chen

Trump Opioid Speech

Why Trump’s Call to Execute Drug Dealers Matters Why Trump’s Call to Execute Drug Dealers Matters

Prosecutors across the country are already applying Trump’s “tough" approach through the use of drug-induced-homicide laws.

Mar 22, 2018 / Zoë Carpenter

Is the Opioid Crisis Leading to a Spike in the White Incarceration Rate?

Is the Opioid Crisis Leading to a Spike in the White Incarceration Rate? Is the Opioid Crisis Leading to a Spike in the White Incarceration Rate?

Though African Americans remain disproportionately impacted by the criminal-justice system, drug laws are locking up an increasing number of whites as well.

Mar 7, 2018 / Michelle Chen

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