Legal framework for health policy to reduce the level of substance abuse in the United States

The purpose of this study was to identify and legally assess the key legal instruments and strategies employed in the United States of America to combat substance abuse and their impact on the development of national health policy in this area. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, including the processing of statistical data on the financing of addiction prevention and treatment programmes, analysis of federal and regional legislative acts, and comparative analysis of the policies of different states on the regulation of psychoactive substances. The key findings showed a significant evolution of the legal approach to the problem of substance abuse. The study revealed a gradual shift from a purely punitive approach to a balanced strategy that combines elements of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Furthermore, the analysis of funding showed a 35% increase in federal support for prevention programmes between 2018 and 2022, which led to improved access to healthcare for drug users and the development of recovery programmes. The results of a comparative analysis of state policies on the regulation of psychoactive substances showed a considerable difference in approaches, specifically regarding the legalisation of marijuana, which creates legal and regulatory challenges due to contradictions between federal and local laws. Specifically, in states where marijuana is legalised for medical or recreational use, the level of trafficking offences has decreased, but questions arise concerning the regulation of cultivation and distribution. It was also found that the introduction of telemedicine has significantly increased the effectiveness of drug treatment in a pandemic, allowing more patients to be reached, but this approach needs further improvement in the field of regulation and control. The findings of the study point to the need for closer integration of prevention, healthcare, and legal measures at all levels of government, unification of legislation on the regulation of psychoactive substances at the federal and state levels, as well as decriminalisation of drugs for personal use, which can reduce the level of criminalisation of society and contribute to a more effective fight against substance abuse