An Analysis of the Opioid Crisis: History and Strategy to America’s Current Drug Crisis

The U.S. is in the midst of an epidemic of unrivaled proportions. Nourished initially by the doctor’s pen, the opioid epidemic has affected all facets of American life. The solutions are complex and complicated by the biochemistry of addiction; however, this thesis explores various strategies that could provide temporary solutions. Assessing policy impact, this thesis will investigate Vermont and New Hampshire’s response to the opioid crisis and follow-up with rendering policy decisions. In particular, the U.S. should consider implementing Vermont’s medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, and this thesis suggests why its potential has not been realized and what can be done to overcome these barriers.