To effectively address the opioid epidemic, states must adopt a four-pronged, public health approach with specific actions to:
Prevent opioid misuse and addiction
Reduce overdose deaths and other harmful consequences
Improve opioid addiction treatment
Improve addiction care in the criminal justice system
States that make this investment will not only be able to overcome the current opioid epidemic but also will be in a better position to prevent or face down future drug crises.