Psychologist group gives mixed review to president's opioid plan
Calls for more emphasis on nonpharmacological treatments, opposes death penalty for opioid traffickers
The nation’s largest professional psychological organization would like to see treatment emphasized over punishment when it comes to dealing with the opioid crisis. That view from the American Psychological Association (APA) contrasts with the plan this week unveiled by President Trump to address the growing opioid epidemic.
“While we are encouraged that the administration is calling much-needed attention to the opioid epidemic in America, President Trump’s focus on prosecution and punishment all the way to the death penalty for some traffickers is ill-advised and extreme,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the APA.