The opioid crisis in the United States has reached alarming levels, with drug deaths continuing to rise even as the new year and new presidential administration take office. Under President Donald Trump, drug deaths steadily increased, but they skyrocketed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the early years of the Biden administration, reaching a peak of approximately 110,000 in 2023. While there has been a slight decline in overdose mortality since then, the illicit drug supply, particularly fentanyl, continues to claim the lives of many Americans.
The shift in the U.S. response to the opioid crisis under the new administration is expected to bring about significant changes in drug policy. President Trump’s return to power signals a new era in drug policy, with a focus on tougher penalties for drug-related crimes and a less tolerant attitude towards people with addiction. This shift is evident in the recent actions taken by states like California and Oregon to impose stricter laws on drug possession and consumption.
The philosophy of harm reduction, which aims to improve the health and safety of drug users without requiring them to immediately stop using, has come under scrutiny in recent years. While measures like syringe exchange programs and fentanyl test strips have proven effective, the hands-off approach to public drug use in some cities has raised concerns among experts who advocate for a more coordinated response.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has emphasized a greater police role in drug policy and believes that drug users must “hit bottom” before they can begin their recovery. Kennedy’s views on drug policy align with the changing attitudes towards drug use in the country, particularly with regards to supervised consumption sites.
The debate around supervised consumption sites, which provide a safe space for drug users to consume drugs under medical supervision, is expected to be a key issue in the coming year. While the Trump administration has been opposed to these sites in the past, the growing number of sites operating in the U.S. raises questions about how the new administration will respond.
Another important question that will shape the U.S. response to the opioid crisis is the use of medications like methadone and buprenorphine in addiction treatment. Kennedy’s focus on addiction recovery through methods like wellness farms and 12-step programs raises concerns about his stance on these medications, which are considered essential in treating opioid addiction.
The DEA’s decision on whether to allow buprenorphine to be prescribed via telehealth is also a critical issue that will impact access to treatment for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. The temporary rules put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic have improved access to buprenorphine, but the DEA’s stance on this issue under the new administration remains uncertain.
Overall, 2025 is expected to be a year of significant discourse on the future of drug policy, addiction treatment, and harm reduction in the United States. The decisions made by the new administration and key policymakers will have far-reaching implications for addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and saving lives.
