The Action Lab at Northeastern University

Pursuing justice through a public health lens | We generate knowledge, translate knowledge into policy, and implement measures on ground | Antiracists | @NUSL

[Partnership to End Addiction @ToEndAddiction]

Just released: Our free guide outlining what families need to know about drug-induced homicide (DIH) laws. Learn more: https://t.co/UAKcR541NA

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

@ToEndAddiction We will be breaking down DIH laws all week on Instagram: how they work, who they harm, and what real solutions look like.

Follow @hijaction on IG to learn, share, and push for change.

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

To support families and push for better policy, we’ve released:

1. A Family Guide (with @ToEndAddiction): https://t.co/onHthdNvYN

2. A policy paper on DIH law impacts and solutions:
https://t.co/DTmFZUUoUr

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

These laws worsen the overdose crisis instead of addressing it.

We need a public health response, not criminal prosecution.

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

There’s no evidence DIH laws reduce drug use or overdoses.

What they do is increase fear.
Fear of calling 911.
Fear of saving someone’s life.

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

The people most often charged?
Not "drug lords".
But friends, romantic partners, and low-level users—often the ones who called for help.

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

DIH laws allow people to be charged with homicide if they provided drugs that led to an overdose.

They were framed as a way to stop dealers. But in reality, they punish grief.

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

As part of the Action Lab’s ongoing research into the destructive impact of drug-induced homicide (DIH) laws, we’re sharing new resources and leading a week of education.

[International Overdose Awareness Day @OverdoseDay]

We're so excited to share with you our IOAD 2025 theme: 'One big family, driven by hope' 💜

👉 Download your 2025 campaign kit now and start planning! https://t.co/zO6sQHhpC0

#OneBigFamily #DrivenByHope #IOAD2025 #EndOverdose

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

Further analysis:
https://t.co/0zUFbgPJ5J

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

Understanding the wide range of DIH laws reveals their impact on communities, overdose prevention, and justice

Clear data can drive informed, equitable policy change

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

Why is this important?

DIH laws punish small-scale users, not large traffickers, discourage people calling 911 when their friend overdoses, and fail to reduce overdoses or address SUD root causes

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

Key findings:
- 6 states now allow individuals to argue that they tried to seek emergency help during the overdose in defense
- Charge classifications, sentencing lengths, and legal criteria vary widely
- An increasing number of states are passing drug-induced homicide laws

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

Using MonQcle, researchers tracked and coded DIH laws across states, analyzing key factors like:
- Statute classifications (e.g., murder, manslaughter)
- Sentencing variations (minimum/maximum durations)
- Legal criteria
- Accepted defenses

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

🚨ACTION LAB RELEASE 🚨
In collaboration with the CPHLR, we've released a new visual dataset mapping drug-induced homicide (DIH) laws across the U.S.

data: https://t.co/L566IWVPpU
CPHLR: https://t.co/MBn4EwSzib

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

We must use strategies that prioritize compassion and effectiveness over punishment

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

We must move away from institutionalization and toward voluntary, outpatient, evidence-driven care

These alternatives offer an effective, science-based path to recovery without the risks of coercive practices

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

Involuntary commitment allows authorities to detain individuals with SUD under the pretense of treatment

But, evidence shows this often increases the risk of overdose and relapse rather than providing lasting help.

[The Action Lab at Northeastern University @HiJAction]

🚨 NEW ACTION LAB ARTICLE 🚨
Thread: Examining involuntary commitment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) as a response to the overdose crisis.

Is it truly the humane alternative to incarceration it claims to be?

https://t.co/MHl8nM98QF

[Keri Blakinger @keribla]

As a reminder, fentanyl does not have magical powers.

h/t @LeoBeletsky
https://t.co/PZbvPCUzTs