The little-known program contributing to a decline in overdose deaths in the US

[ancianita]

4. The war on drugs also taught that illicit profitability rises with bans ...

-- Supply disruptions can incentivize the market to shift toward more potent, easily concealed, and dangerous substances like fentanyl, which contributes to increased overdose deaths.

High Profitability: The risks associated with the illegal drug trade lead to higher prices, which in turn creates immense profits, attracting new producers and dealers into the market.

Social and Economic Costs: The policies have resulted in vast criminal markets, high incarceration rates (disproportionately affecting minorities), and a significant financial burden on the criminal justice system, with costs far exceeding the investment in treatment and prevention programs.

Most evidence suggests that demand-side policies, such as prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, are more effective strategies for managing the problem of drug use. Which is exactly what this OP article from The Guardian shows.