A letter from a former patient reminded Robert Kent how easily treatment leaders can focus on problems and forget the lives their programs helped change. He argues for both effective treatment and accountability - and for remembering that recovery can lead to a life beyond the 'normal' a person knew before.

Robert Kent argues that Purdue Pharma settlement money should be treated differently from other opioid funds. He calls for affected families to review spending decisions and urges governments to direct the money toward families carrying the trauma, loss, and generational consequences of the opioid epidemic.

Rob Kent, Esq. writes from nearly 20 years of work in state and federal drug policy, including his time as general counsel at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In this Harm Reduction Series article, he explains how witnessing preventable loss changed his view of harm reduction and strengthened his belief in the full continuum of care. His central question is direct: how can we help people stay alive and get better?