The drug crisis in the United States did not start with fentanyl. It began with well-intentioned choices that seemed compassionate, like prescribing opioids for those in pain and reducing punishments. Efforts also aimed to make drug use safer. However, addiction rates grew, and the emergence of fentanyl altered the situation significantly. The solutions initially applied no longer address the current challenges seen in communities.
Host Megan McArdle engages with Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor and psychologist, to explore the mistakes America made regarding drug addiction. They discuss why overdose deaths are declining, the missteps in harm reduction strategies, and potential improved approaches.