Lessons Learned from State Drug Sentencing and Addressing the Root Causes of Addiction

This chapter discusses the lessons that states should have learned from the get tough experience in the 1990s in relation to increasing sentences for fentanyl-related crimes. It highlights that increasing penalties and cracking down on drug crimes does not reduce overdose deaths and in some cases, may make the problem worse. It also mentions the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction and implementing good Samaritan laws to prevent overdose deaths.