Publication Date
Spring 2025
Abstract
The opioid epidemic remains a pressing global public health challenge, with a hypothesized 1.2 million opioid-related fatalities in the United States alone, by 2029 (Rao et al., 2021). In the United States, the epidemic was driven by the overprescription of opioid pain medications in the 1990s. In contrast, in Switzerland, the opioid crisis stemmed from heroin imports and open-air drug scenes in the late 20th century. This research project analyzes Switzerland's national response to opioid abuse—specifically its Four Pillar Approach—and evaluates its potential applicability within the context of the United States. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on interviews with health professionals and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in both countries, supplemented by secondary sources such as government reports, peer-reviewed journals, and news articles. Findings highlight Switzerland's relative success in reducing overdose deaths and disease transmission through a coordinated framework that emphasizes harm reduction, accessible social support, and strong inter-agency collaboration between law enforcement, social services, and healthcare providers. While the U.S. has made substantial progress in naloxone access and recent legislative reforms, it lacks Switzerland's integrated and low-barrier infrastructure. The project recognizes key differences between the two nations, including population size, healthcare systems, and the historical roots of opioid abuse. However, it concludes that it may be possible for components of Switzerland's model—particularly harm reduction—to be adapted to the U.S. context with sufficient political will and investment. Ultimately, cross-national learning is essential: Switzerland must prepare for the rise of synthetic opioids, while the U.S. can improve outcomes by embracing more holistic, public-oriented strategies.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Volpi, Vittoria, "Switzerland’s Approach to Combating Addiction to Opiates, and its Application to the United States Framework" (2025). Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy. 5.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/szh2/5