“It’s a Trap”: Exploring the Impact of the Drug War Amongst People with Substance Use Histories

The United States has leaned on punitive and carceral measures to address socially unacceptable or illicit substance use. In turn, the existing literature is notably deficient in representing the perspectives of individuals with a history of substance use and involvement in various systems, such as criminal justice, juvenile justice, and child welfare. This lack of perspective is particularly pronounced in the domain of drug and alcohol treatment literature, which frequently emphasizes treatment outcomes but often neglects the nuanced experiences of individuals within these treatment settings. To address this significant gap in the literature, this paper presents the results of a qualitative analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews with people who have a history of substance use and system(s) involvement. These interviews were conducted as part of a larger community-based participatory research project centered in an outpatient clinic in the northeastern United States. Themes include the expansiveness of the carceral apparatus, the profitization and exploitation of poverty, the dehumanization individuals experienced, and the resilience and resistance interviewees embodied. Findings uplift the complex, violent, and repressive experiences of individuals navigating carceral systems due to their substance use. This project highlights the need for a deeper understanding of humanity, destigmatization, and support for people who use substances, rather than punitive and coercive approaches.