Fighting Drug Addiction in the Aftermath of the War on Drugs: Rehabilitative or Promoting Reoffending?

This Article examines the evolution of drug control policy in the United States, arguing that although modern strategies target both supply and demand reduction mechanisms, they remain fragmented and insufficiently focused on rehabilitation. It traces the historical development of the War on Drugs and its lasting emphasis on punitive enforcement, highlighting the continued reliance on drug task forces and confidential informants. While contemporary reforms such as drug courts and prosecutorial diversion programs demonstrate measurable success in reducing recidivism and promoting recovery, their impact is undermined by inconsistent integration across the criminal justice system. This Article contends that a more cohesive, rehabilitation-centered framework is necessary to effectively address substance use disorders and reduce overdose deaths. It proposes a shift in law enforcement priorities toward demand reduction by routing low-level offenders into treatment-based alternatives, aligning with current court reform programs to better support practices with long-term public health and reintegration goals.