I.P.N. Declares War on the Opioid Crisis with the “It’s A Disaster” Campaign—A Call to Action for a National Emergency

Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Declaring it a Disaster … Not A Public Health emergency.

As Executive Director of the International Preparedness Network, I’ve witnessed firsthand the absolutely devastating toll the opioid crisis has taken on individuals, families, and entire communities such as Kensington, PA. While reports suggest a slight decline in fentanyl-related deaths in 2024, the harsh reality is that this lethal drug continues to flood our streets, claiming nearly 100,000 lives every year. Each statistic represents a person—someone’s son, daughter, parent, or friend—torn away too soon, leaving behind shattered families and grieving communities struggling to pick up the pieces. This isn’t just a crisis; it’s a national tragedy … a disaster, and we can’t afford to continue pretending that it is anything less.

The Need for Emergency Response

It’s for these reasons why I, along with my organization I.P.N. and our Afroprep-NOW! disaster preparedness/self reliance sustainability collective advocates for declaring the opioid crisis a national disaster — no different than a major hurricane, flood or, earthquake. This designation would enable the mobilization of additional federal resources, coordination across agencies, and, the implementation of more comprehensive and effective treatment programs. I believe strongly that the scale of this crisis demands an emergency response proportionate to its impact on public health. We can begin this process with exploring non-traditional treatment options.

In addressing substance use disorders, it’s crucial to consider multiple evidence-based treatment approaches. While traditional methods like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) like methadone and suboxone remain the accepted standard of care, there are a number of alternative treatments available that have shown a tremendous amount of promise. One area of growing research interest is the study of plant-based compounds and their potential therapeutic applications. Almost exactly ten years ago, I wrote a post about one of the best. It’s a alkaloid drawn from a African rainforest shrub called ibogaine and called it “the ultimate preparedness tool for substance abusers.”

I know for a fact that it is! Over the past three decades, I’ve met hundreds of people who have undergone treatment with this incredible substance—and it works! Ibogaine isn’t perfect, and for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, there is some risk. However, that risk is nothing compared to the dangers they regularly face on the streets—hustling to get their next fix under the death grip of substance use disorders.

Sadly, in the U.S., ibogaine has been illegal since 1967, when the federal government outlawed it alongside LSD. Ironically, this is the same drug the government authorized for use on hundreds of test subjects—against their will—during the MKUltra experiments.

Both are among the least addictive and, for the most part, less harmful than any drug of abuse, yet ibogaine (and LSD) remains illegal.

Given ibogaine’s efficacy—not only in treating substance use disorders but also a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injury—it is incredible to me that it’s still unavailable. I, along with my colleagues in the I.P.N. along with my fellow ibogaine activists, plan to do all we can to change this situation … STAT. We will petition to make ibogaine legal and accessible to all who need it. It could be an incredibly potent tool in the fight against the opioid crisis. Most importantly, it will help tens of thousands break free from the chains of addiction, suffering, and death.

I’m hopeful that the new HHS leadership will take steps toward legalizing ibogaine so it can be utilized and deployed immediately. In the meantime, I along with the I.P.N. are committed to:

• Advocating for increased funding for addiction research and treatment
• Supporting evidence-based approaches to addiction recovery
• Promoting public health education about substance use disorders
• Collaborating with healthcare providers and policymakers to improve access to treatment

Moving Forward

Addressing the opioid crisis as a disaster requires a multi-faceted approach that includes:

• Improved access to existing evidence-based treatments
• Enhanced prevention programs
• Better support for families affected by addiction
• Increased funding for research into new treatment methods, including ibogaine
• Stronger cooperation between healthcare providers and law enforcement

The fight against addiction must evolve, and I believe that the time for decisive action is right now! Our efforts have already begun as we are are calling upon policymakers, healthcare providers, community leaders and I.P.N. members to join us in treating this crisis with the urgency it deserves. Together, we can work toward implementing comprehensive solutions that will save lives and heal communities.

It’s A Disaster — and we’ll be treating like one from herein. RFA!

About The Author