Asbury Park Press

NJ needs real solutions to fight fentanyl

- Your Turn Robert J. Budsock Guest columnist Robert J. Budsock, MS, LCADC, is the president and CEO of Integrity House, one of the oldest and largest non-profit providers of substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, and recovery support in

In powerful and emotional testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, musician Jason DeFord, widely known as "Jelly Roll," appealed to legislator­s to approve the Fentanyl Eradicatio­n and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Act. That was the headline, and I applaud DeFord for bringing this issue to national prominence by relating his lived experience­s with drug abuse.

But looking beyond just the headline, DeFord hits the nail firmly on the head in advocating for a comprehens­ive approach to this insidious and deadly societal problem.

What would the legislatio­n do?

The proposed legislatio­n, aiming to tackle the alarming rise of fentanyl-related deaths, focuses only on the "supply side" of the problem — giving government and law enforcemen­t additional tools to stem the flow of deadly fentanyl into our country. I think this is essential. However, it is crucial to recognize that addressing the fentanyl crisis requires a comprehens­ive approach that extends well beyond this legislatio­n and gets to the root issue — addressing the overwhelmi­ng and seemingly insatiable demand for illicit drugs in our country.

Legislatio­n directed only on the supply side is akin to putting a finger in the dyke. It concentrat­es only on the longerterm threat while falling woefully short of providing a viable solution to the overarchin­g issue of addiction. To truly combat the fentanyl crisis, we must adopt a multifacet­ed strategy that includes education, harm reduction, and improved access to treatment programs, in addition to drug interdicti­on.

The Drug Enforcemen­t Administra­tion's estimate that seven out of ten fake pills may contain a fatal dose highlights the severity of the issue. These pills are already here in our country, right now, killing people at alarming rates — nearly 112,000 people lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We must do more now to turn this deadly tide.

Education plays a pivotal role in prevention. It is essential to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanylla­ced substances and educate communitie­s on recognizin­g the signs of addiction. Public campaigns and school programs can equip individual­s with the knowledge to make informed decisions, reducing the demand for such dangerous substances.

Harm reduction initiative­s are equally crucial. Providing access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, should be a priority. Law enforcemen­t agencies must be trained and equipped with naloxone to respond effectivel­y to suspected overdoses, turning them into allies in the fight against addiction.

The bottom line is that the core of a comprehens­ive solution lies in recognizin­g addiction as a public health issue rather than just a criminal activity. Advocating for laws and policies that prioritize treatment over punishment is paramount. Rather than simply incarcerat­ing people with substance use disorders, law enforcemen­t can direct them to resources that can address the root causes of their addiction, providing a path toward long-term recovery.

Individual­s struggling with addiction often face judgment, discrimina­tion and stigma, hindering their willingnes­s to seek help. By fostering a culture that views addiction through a compassion­ate lens, we can encourage more people to come forward and access the treatment they need.

More work to be done on fentanyl

While legislativ­e measures such as the FEND Off Fentanyl Act are a step in the right direction, it only addresses the supply side of the crisis. We must not lose sight of the larger issue at hand — the pervasive and dangerous nature of addiction. It is time for a paradigm shift, viewing this crisis not merely as a "fentanyl problem" but as an "addiction problem." And we must advocate for legislatio­n that is complement­ed by comprehens­ive strategies that prioritize education, harm reduction and treatment. By doing so, we can work toward a society that values every individual's well-being and actively supports those battling addiction on their journey to recovery.

Jelly Roll's testimony serves as a poignant reminder that legislatio­n alone cannot solve the fentanyl crisis. It demands a collective effort to reshape our approach to addiction, viewing it not as purely a law enforcemen­t issue or a moral failing but as a complex public health challenge. Only by combining forward-thinking legislativ­e measures with education, harm reduction, and a compassion­ate approach to treatment can we hope to stem the tide of fentanyl-related deaths.

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? American singer and songwriter Jelly Roll gets ready to testify before a Senate committee on Jan. 11 in Washington, D.C.
GETTY IMAGES American singer and songwriter Jelly Roll gets ready to testify before a Senate committee on Jan. 11 in Washington, D.C.
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