Opioid Abuse Isn't 'Victimless.' What About the Kids?

The Donald Trump administration is being widely criticized for its get-tough approach to the nation’s opioid crisis. Targeting negligent doctors and pharmacists, and focusing on reducing the illegal drug trade -- a war that includes President Trump’s call to execute convicted drug dealers -- will not do much for those suffering from addiction, the critics say.

Indeed, the Trump administration’s attitude seems to be at odds with popular opinion. In recent years, there has been a growing consensus among Americans that the war on drugs has failed. A 2014 Pew survey found, for instance, that two-thirds of Americans say that the government should focus more on providing treatment for those who use illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Just 26 percent think the government’s priority should be on prosecuting users of such hard drugs.