Dupage Policy Journal

Advocacy for the decriminalization of minor opioid possession, including potent drugs like fentanyl, by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) has ignited a debate, drawing criticism from Safe Suburbs’ Kevin Coyne. This comes at a time when the country is grappling with an alarming increase in opioid-related deaths.

“Casten’s reckless position on fentanyl is consistent with the views of his far-Left colleagues. Numerous Illinois Democrats support decriminalizing fentanyl,” Coyne told DuPage Policy Journal.

“This horrific drug has killed thousands of our young people. Those who trade in it should face serious jail time. Unfortunately Casten - and others on the Left - oppose jailing those who deal in this deadly drug. The world is not a better place with more fentanyl or more fentanyl dealers in it.”

As the debate surrounding Casten’s advocacy continues, the complex challenge of finding effective strategies to combat the opioid epidemic remains a focal point in discussions on public health and safety. The contrasting viewpoints highlight the ongoing tension between approaches focused on criminalization and those emphasizing public health interventions. Casten has advocated for the decriminalization of minor opioid possession as a national strategy to combat the crisis. 

In speaking with the Daily Herald, Casten emphasized that drug addiction should be treated as a mental health problem, not a criminal one. He proposes following the examples of Switzerland and Portugal, praising their approach of decriminalizing opioids and treating addiction as a public health issue. Casten’s call for decriminalization aligns with his previous support for similar measures in the realm of marijuana, asserting the need for innovative tactics to address the opioid epidemic.

Casten’s position comes amidst a significant increase in opioid deaths in the United States, with fentanyl overdoses now emerging as the primary cause of death for individuals aged 18 to 45. Recent statistics according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) indicate that fentanyl accounts for nearly 70% of the over 107,000 drug overdose fatalities in the last year, shedding light on its source, attributes, and distribution within the country.

In Illinois alone, there were 2,944 opioid overdose deaths in 2020, an increase of 33% over 2019.

"In 2020, there were 2,944 opioid overdose fatalities – more than twice the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents and more than twice the number of homicides. The increase in the number of fatalities is attributed to the rise of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. Since 2013, synthetic opioid deaths in Illinois have increased 2,736," according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.