The DOJ has a hammer. They’re using that hammer in the only way they can (supply side). If you want the demand side fixed, fix it locally (and lobby the federal government for more funds if necessary). The St Petersburg police department (Florida) recently announced they’d hire 25 social workers instead of 25 police officers to address social needs that would’ve previously been handled suboptimally as a police dispatch. There is evidence local efforts can be made when the appetite and will is present.

Having seen opioid addiction up close, I have a hard time not condoning DOJ actions. It’s not perfect, but nothing is.