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On April 3, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released its statement (press release) of drug policy priorities under the Trump administration. In its statement, ONDCP outlines six key areas that will be the focus of the administration in its first year, including: (1) preventing the flow of illicit drugs in global supply chains and across domestic borders; (2) reducing the initiation of drug use; (3) bolstering access to addiction and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment; and (4) improving the relevant data used to inform drug control policy, among others. Notably, ONDCP states that the policies included in its priorities outline broader efforts of the administration and that they will evolve to reflect the shifting illicit drug landscape.
Overview of ONDCP’s Policy Priorities:
Reduce Fatal Overdoses — The administration aims to decrease the number of overdose deaths through expanded access to overdose prevention education and emergency medical services, including overdose reversal medications such as naloxone. ONDCP also notes the administration intends to encourage states to increase availability of drug test strips and overdose reversal medications. Additionally, the administration will pursue legal action against “individuals responsible for overdose deaths.” Notably, ONDCP emphasizes that this approach will specifically focus on decreasing overdoses related to fentanyl.
Prevent Drug Trafficking in Supply Chains — In its statement, ONDCP explains that the administration aims to decrease the international movement of illicit drugs by partnering with source countries and develop new mechanisms to combat the activities of drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).
Eliminate Drug Flow Across Borders — To decrease the domestic availability of illicit drugs, the administration intends to enhance border security and use advance technology to prevent illicit drugs from entering the U.S. Among these enhanced security measures, the administration aims to leverage “force-multiplying efforts”, including the Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs), and will work with states and localities to that ensure appropriate resources are being allocated to address illicit drug trafficking.
Reduce Initiation of Drug Use — The administration is prioritizing proactive efforts to prevent drug use — especially among youth — by promoting evidence-based education, strengthening school and community programs, and leveraging media to raise awareness and connect individuals to prevention and recovery resources.
Improve SUD Treatments — To support long-term recovery from addiction and SUD, the administration pledges to expand access to “effective, timely, and evidence-based" treatment. Priorities include increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), improving integration of mental health and recovery support services, and strengthening peer recovery support workforce and its infrastructure.
Innovate Research to Improve Drug Control Strategy — The administration seeks to modernize data collection systems, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to continuously collect and analyze “high-integrity” data. In collaboration with public and private partners, ONDCP states that this data will be used to rapidly address emerging threats and inform drug control policies.
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