Increase in Drug Deaths in the U.S. Due to Fentanyl and Other Street Drugs

Fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills are flooding U.S. streets, but other street drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine are causing more deaths. While fatal drug overdoses in the U.S. decreased by 3% in 2023, the toll from the overdose crisis remained high, claiming 107,543 lives. The shift from plant-based drugs to synthetic drugs has resulted in a dangerous crisis.

Portugal's Health-Based Approach to Addiction vs. U.S. Drug War Model

Dr. João Goulão of Portugal shifted addiction response to health care, reducing overdose deaths drastically. Portugal's decriminalization and health-based approach led to a significant drop in drug deaths, HIV/AIDS cases, and hepatitis. Police in Portugal refer drug users to counseling instead of arresting them, contributing to lower stigma and increased treatment participation.