Work

DPA staff and allies hold signs reading "Health Crises Need Health Solutions," "Overdose Prevention Centers Save Lives," "End the Drug War", and "Support People Who Use Drugs, Don't Punish"

How We Fight The Drug War

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. Keep scrolling to learn how we do our work.

  • Campaigns

    We need a new approach to drug policy. DPA leads campaigns to end the punishment of people who use and sell drugs, increase addiction services and social supports, and advance new approaches for all drug regulation.

    Take Action
  • Civic Engagement

    Voters can change laws and save lives. DPA educates voters on drug policy issues so that they can make informed decisions. Our 501c4 Drug Policy Action runs ballot initiatives at the state and local levels.

    Learn More
  • Grantmaking

    Communities need resources to make change. DPA supports organizations that work on drug policy reform. We focus on building the political power of people who use drugs and those most harmed by the drug war.

  • Movement Building

    Drug policy intersects with all parts of our lives. DPA builds alliances with activists, impacted people, policymakers, researchers, and other organizations to work across movements. This includes our International Drug Policy Reform Conference.

    Attend Reform
  • Public Education

    The information on drugs and drug policy is often misinformed, rooted in fear, and perpetuates stigma. DPA uplifts facts, evidence, and stories to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of reforming drug laws.

    Browse Resources
  • Research & Academic Engagement

    Drug policy reforms must be rooted in evidence, not ideology or stigma. DPA supports and learns from academics, researchers, and other experts, including those with lived experience, to build and fight for evidence-based drug policy.

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  • Technical Assistance

    People, policymakers, and organizations are fighting to end the drug war in their communities. DPA provides needed assistance. This includes drafting legislation and other policies, developing educational materials, providing campaign guidance, and identifying experts.

DPA staff and allies hold signs reading "Health Crises Need Health Solutions," "Overdose Prevention Centers Save Lives," "End the Drug War", and "Support People Who Use Drugs, Don't Punish"

“At a time when the injustices of the drug war on the family regulation system were receiving little attention, Drug Policy Alliance was courageous and supported the work. They partnered with us on campaigns and other initiatives. DPA was respectful to the work that came before them and the folks in the movement.”

Lisa Sangoi,Movement for Family Power
A young woman holds a sign that says "End the Drug War."

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