The Drug Policy Alliance is the leading organization in the U.S. working to end the drug war, repair its harms, and build a non-punitive, equitable, and regulated drug market. We envision a world that embraces the full humanity of people, regardless of their relationship to drugs. We advocate that the regulation of drugs be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements and at every policy level, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives.
The drug war—and the elected leaders who uphold it—labels everyone who uses certain substances a criminal. Punitive drug laws serve as a tool of oppression. They aggressively target people of color and people experiencing poverty. A criminal record can block job, housing, and education opportunities. Drug criminalization creates fear that can stop people from getting help for addiction or during an overdose emergency. Under drug prohibition, fatal overdose rates have dramatically risen and illicit drugs are stronger and more available. For people caught in the drug war, the impacts are far-reaching and long-lasting. Our communities deserve a better future.
Instead of arresting people for drugs, we should respect people’s bodily autonomy and offer support if they need it. The U.S. government must reinvest the funds used to criminalize people for drugs to build communities up.
View all Drug StatsWe’re building a future without the drug war. We’re building a future where people are part of our community, regardless of their relationship to drugs. We’re building a future where people who use drugs are supported, not punished. We’re building a future where bodily autonomy is protected and respected. We’re building a future where drug policy is grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights.
The Drug Policy Alliance is a 501c3 non-profit organization. We depend entirely on private donations to fund our work to end the drug war and promote new drug policies grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. Your support is crucial – thank you!
Give a GiftDPA ensures that drug policy is grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. We do this through public education, campaigns, civic engagement, grantmaking, movement building, research and academic engagement, and technical assistance.
Learn MoreDPA seeks to end the drug war, repair its harms, and build an approach that puts people first. We focus on community reinvestment, ending civil punishment, drug decriminalization, overdose prevention, legal regulation, and more.
View IssuesSince 2000, DPA has led the way on creating cutting-edge policies that have fundamentally transformed the direction of drug policy in the U.S. and beyond. We are leading the movement to treat drug use as a health issue, not a criminal problem.
View WinsDPA provides numerous ways for supporters to influence drug policy on the local, state, and national level. Check on the latest actions and get involved.
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