In an editorial published by the New York Times on Sept. 30, P.A.A.R.I. is featured as one of the eight steps that should be taken to combat opioid addiction.
“Drug overdoses, nearly two-thirds of them from prescription opioids, heroin and synthetic opioids, killed some 64,000 Americans last year, over 20 percent more than in 2015,” the article reads. “That is also more than double the number in 2005, and nearly quadruple the number in 2000, when accidental falls killed more Americans than opioid overdoses.”
To address this national crisis, the New York Times outlines several steps to take, some of which come from the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis.
The second recommendation, “treat, don’t arrest,” highlights that nearly 300 law enforcement agencies have joined P.A.A.R.I., which helps those struggling with the disease of addiction get the help they need to recover by working with their local police department. This initiative has been proven to bring about more lasting results and costs less than repeatedly arresting drug offenders.
For the complete list of the steps, read the entire article here.
