Tag Archives: drug addiction

Decriminalization of Drug Possession: Key to the Public’s Health and Health Equity

By | December 19, 2019

Research shows that decriminalization of drug possession, combined with other harm reduction efforts and treatment services, is an important component of efforts to improve public health and health equity. It was early in medical school when I encountered the first of many patients who had spent years in jail or prison for drug possession. On… Read More »

What’s the difference between opioid use, misuse, and addiction?

By | September 29, 2017

Opioid addiction seems to be in the news every day. But what’s the difference between an opioid user and an opioid addict? First, let’s define our terms. Opioids are drugs derived from the opium poppy, including heroin and morphine. The class also includes synthetic opium-derived prescription painkillers including oxycontin and fentanyl, as well as drugs… Read More »