UW Survey: Housing Key to Addressing Drug Crisis?

A recent University of Washington survey indicates a significant shift in regional drug use patterns. Injection drug use reportedly dropped from 93% in 2021 to 44% in 2025, with smoking becoming the predominant method. Methamphetamine continues to be the most commonly used drug, with fentanyl as the second most frequent. Researchers propose stable housing as a critical solution, advocating for it as the primary focus for public policy concerning meth users, rather than requiring sobriety. This approach aligns with recent actions in Seattle, which allocated approximately $4.8 million towards housing and supportive services. Despite these findings, the survey acknowledges limitations, noting that changes in participant sampling prevent direct year-to-year comparisons and that the data cannot establish causality between housing and reduced drug use. On-the-ground accounts from individuals experiencing homelessness suggest fentanyl is widespread and that both injection and smoking are common practices. The survey collected responses from nearly 1,700 participants via syringe services programs across Washington, over half of whom reported being unhoused. Many respondents expressed interest in reducing or ceasing drug use, including through treatment options, contributing to the ongoing debate between harm-reduction and Housing First policies.