Addiction, community and state: a review.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Political Science

Background:

• Clinicians recognize the impact of drug supply, price, availability, and access on addiction.
• Historically, clinicians have remained silent on these issues, deferring to government leaders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for clinicians to actively participate in "addiction statecraft."
• To underscore the ethical and professional responsibility of healthcare providers in addressing drug policy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on addiction statecraft.
• Author's observations on addiction statecraft in various countries over three decades.

Main Results:

• Governmental actions significantly influence illicit drug supply, use, abuse, and addiction.
• Effective addiction statecraft requires addressing community deterioration and corruption.
• Past anti-drug strategies and controversial interventions (e.g., methadone) offer lessons.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians must speak authoritatively on addiction statecraft, leveraging collective wisdom.
• Silence on drug supply and access is unprofessional and unethical for clinicians.
• Engaging in addiction statecraft is crucial for public health and combating addiction.