Expert Available to Comment on Decriminalization of Drugs, Alternative Measures for People Who Use Drugs

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Alex Kral, Ph.D., epidemiologist at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, is available for media interviews on the decriminalization of drugs across the United States and can comment on states that have relaxed, or are expected to relax, drug laws. 

Earlier this month, voters in Oregon elected to decriminalize the possession of all drugs. This means carrying small amounts of drugs (heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine) no longer carry a criminal sentence.

Dr. Kral can speak to the individual and community benefits of decriminalizing drugs for people who use them. He can speak to the need to shift the public focus from criminal charges to treatment options for addicts. Kral’s research shows that alternative measures, such as implementing community-based programs—like safe drug consumption sites—have shown reductions in overdose related deaths.

Dr. Kral’s research areas include substance abuse, safe drug consumption sites, syringe exchange programs, overdose education and naloxone distribution programs. He is the principal investigator on several National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) initiatives.

To learn more or to set up an interview, please email news@rti.org