Peterson, M., Rich, J., Macmadu, A., Truong, A. Q., Green, T. C., Beletsky, L., Pognon, K., & Brinkley-Rubinstein, L. (2019). “One guy goes to jail, two people are ready to take his spot”: Perspectives on drug-induced homicide laws among incarcerated individuals. The International journal on drug policy, 70, 47–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.05.001 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082662/ 

This article examines the impacts of drug-induced homicide laws (such as deterrence from calling 911 and increased violence) and how these laws may be contributing to the rising rates of opioid overdose. In addition, the authors describe how these laws may in fact undermine the efforts of MOUD treatment for justice involved populations. This is a useful reference for anyone wishing to learn more about the impacts of opioid laws, particularly for policymakers and lawyers. 

Bottom Line: This study gained insight into the perceptions of drug-induced homicide laws from individuals who are incarcerated, how they may contribute to overdoses and how they may limit OUD treatment access to individuals involved in the criminal justice system.