President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency and has directed federal resources towards reducing demand for opioids through tougher prosecution of traffickers, enhanced surveillance of international shipments of opioids, and better control over prescriptions by doctors. He has also proposed legislation such as directing more funding towards rural areas affected by addiction and providing additional resources for those seeking opioid use disorder treatments.

I would do differently by focusing efforts on addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone. This could include promoting economic solutions such as job growth in rural communities hit hard by drugs and poverty; improved mental healthcare infrastructure; education initiatives aimed at reducing stigma around addiction; greater availability of employment opportunities which provide living wages; increased housing options in underprivileged neighborhoods; better access to nutritious foods in low income communities; etc. Additionally, I would work with local governments and law enforcement agencies to ensure rehabilitation instead of incarceration whenever possible .