Critical Questions for the Development of Housing that Supports Recovery

• By: Michael B. Friedman, LMSW Public Policy Analyst and Mental Health Advocate
• January 22nd, 2024
• abstinence, deinstitutionalization, harm reduction, housing, mental illness, permanent housing, recovery, substance use disorder, transitional housing, Winter 2024 Issue
• 1010    0

There is no doubt that housing supports recovery – i.e., having a satisfying life as a person with a serious mental illness depends first and foremost on having a decent place to live – but many people need help to have decent housing. Amazingly, that was not recognized in the initial phase...

“Decriminalization” is Misconceived: Towards Improved Drug Policy

• By: Michael B. Friedman, LMSW Public Policy Analyst and Mental Health Advocate
• October 23rd, 2023
• addiction, alcohol, criminalization, decriminalization, drug control, drug policy reform, drug-related violence, Fall 2023 Issue, illicit drug use, medications, overdose deaths, regulation, substance misuse, tobacco
• 494    0

Recent reports about the problems that have emerged with Oregon’s experiment in the decriminalization of drugs have rekindled debate about this approach to reducing the damage that results from the current policy of criminalizing illegal substances. I tilt against decriminalization as currently...