Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, we explore Drug-Induced Homicide (DIH) laws—criminal charges used to hold someone legally responsible for providing drugs that led to a fatal overdose.
These laws have been around since the 1980s but have seen a surge in use due to the fentanyl crisis. As of May 2024, 33 states and Washington, D.C. have enacted DIH laws.
Supporters argue that DIH laws stop overdoses by cracking down on drug dealers. But research shows that these laws don't reduce drug use, don’t deter sales, and may actually increase the risk of death by making people afraid to call for help.
In reality, DIH charges are often brought against friends or family of the overdose victim—not high-level dealers. We dive into the unintended consequences of these laws and offer alternative solutions that help families who have lost a loved one to overdose heal.
📘 Download our free guide on DIH laws and resources for families:
👉 drugfree.org/DIH
Subscribe to Partnership to End Addiction: bit.ly/SubcribeToEndAddiction
About Partnership to End Addiction:
Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit providing personalized support and resources for families impacted by addiction. With decades of experience in direct services, communications and coalition-building, we mobilize families, policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale. For more information, visit drugfree.org.
Connect with us: drugfree.org
Facebook: facebook.com/PartnershipToEndAddiction
Twitter: twitter.com/ToEndAddiction
Instagram: instagram.com/PartnershipToEndAddiction
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/PartnershipToEndAddiction
#LetsEndAddiction
Do Drug-Induced Homicide Laws Prevent Overdoses? | Partnership to End Addiction
In this video, we explore Drug-Induced Homicide (DIH) laws—criminal charges used to hold someone legally responsible for providing drugs that led to a fatal overdose.
These laws have been around since the 1980s but have seen a surge in use due to the fentanyl crisis. As of May 2024, 33 states and Washington, D.C. have enacted DIH laws.
Supporters argue that DIH laws stop overdoses by cracking down on drug dealers. But research shows that these laws don't reduce drug use, don’t deter sales, and may actually increase the risk of death by making people afraid to call for help.
In reality, DIH charges are often brought against friends or family of the overdose victim—not high-level dealers. We dive into the unintended consequences of these laws and offer alternative solutions that help families who have lost a loved one to overdose heal.
📘 Download our free guide on DIH laws and resources for families:
👉 drugfree.org/DIH
Subscribe to Partnership to End Addiction: bit.ly/SubcribeToEndAddiction
About Partnership to End Addiction:
Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit providing personalized support and resources for families impacted by addiction. With decades of experience in direct services, communications and coalition-building, we mobilize families, policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale. For more information, visit drugfree.org.
Connect with us: drugfree.org
Facebook: facebook.com/PartnershipToEndAddiction
Twitter: twitter.com/ToEndAddiction
Instagram: instagram.com/PartnershipToEndAddiction
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/PartnershipToEndAddiction
#LetsEndAddiction
Do Drug-Induced Homicide Laws Prevent Overdoses? | Partnership to End Addiction
