The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS), a unit of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, has released a report analyzing the health, justice system, and economic implications associated with Wisconsin’s drug paraphernalia policies, selected harm reduction strategies, and substance use.
Health, Justice, and Economic Costs Associated with Drug Paraphernalia Policies in Wisconsin examines the burdens experienced across Wisconsin communities related to drug use and drug paraphernalia policies, including healthcare use, overdose mortality, criminal justice involvement, and related public costs. The report seeks to document current conditions and costs as well as inform policy considerations relevant to Wisconsin.
The report found that overdose deaths have declined from their 2022 peak but remain above historical levels. Significant disparities persist across racial and ethnic groups, particularly among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Overdose mortality also varies substantially across Wisconsin counties, highlighting the importance of local context when evaluating health outcomes.
Substance use continues to create substantial demands on Wisconsin’s healthcare system. From 2016 to 2024, the state recorded approximately 88,388 drug-related emergency department visits, generating an estimated $107 million in emergency department charges alone.
The report also examines the justice system burden associated with paraphernalia enforcement, including filings, convictions, detention, incarceration, and associated public expenditures. Paraphernalia-related filings and convictions generated an estimated $11.65 million to $33.01 million in criminal-legal costs statewide during 2024.
In addition to documenting health and justice outcomes, the report examines harm reduction strategies, including syringe service programs, naloxone distribution, safer smoking supplies, and drug checking services. The research identifies opportunities for improving data integration and evaluation, monitoring health and justice outcomes, expanding understanding of local implementation, and strengthening public health infrastructure.
WIPPS conducted the research with funding from Vital Strategies, Inc., which commissioned the report. All research, analyses, and findings are the responsibility of WIPPS and the report’s authors.
A full copy of the report, as well as an overview with key findings, recommendations, and research limitations, can be found at https://wipps.org/wisconsin-