Jelly Roll has it right: NJ needs comprehensive solutions to fight fentanyl

Robert J. Budsock
·4 min read

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.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 11: American singer and songwriter Jelly Roll gets ready to testify before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committee on January 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. The hearing examines legislative solutions and public education to stopping the flow of fentanyl into and throughout the United States. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Legislation directed only on the supply side is akin to putting a finger in the dyke. It concentrates only on the longer-term 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 fentanyl-laced 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: Jelly Roll urged Congress to crack down on fentanyl. That's harder than it sounds.

More work remains 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.

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 New Jersey. Integrity House has locations throughout the state.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ fentanyl crisis: Jell Roll is right on comprehensive solutions