This resource from Polaris examines the intersection of human trafficking and the opioid crisis, detailing how traffickers exploit addiction to recruit and control victims. It emphasizes the importance of addressing substance use disorders as part of anti-trafficking efforts and calls for coordinated responses among healthcare, social services, and law enforcement to provide effective support for survivors.
Polaris is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern slavery. Founded in 2002, it operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, providing support to victims and survivors while collecting data to inform anti-trafficking strategies. Polaris also works on advocacy, education, and systemic change initiatives to disrupt trafficking networks and empower communities to prevent exploitation.