The DEA announced yesterday that it is considering classifying propofol (more widely known by the brand name Diprivan) as a controlled substance, a move that would place heavier regulations on how the drug is distributed and prescribed. DEA officials made the announcement after finding the drug in Michael Jackson's home.

One of the most prevalent themes of the drug war is the demonization and overregulation of individual drugs in avoidance of a critical examination of any of the deep-seated societal and structural problems that cause or enable drug misuse. In the case of Michael Jackson and propofol, the DEA is also ignoring the fact that Jackson's death very well could have been prevented.

Jackson's friend and health advisor Deepak Chopra recently stated publicly that, if Jackson overdosed on propofol, someone present at the time could have saved his life had they been equipped with naloxone, a low-cost drug that can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes.

By reacting to the presence of propofol in Jackson's home, rather than the absence of naloxone, the DEA is once again missing the problem and jumping to place more regulations on a drug rather than addressing all the factors that caused a tragic and, most likely, preventable death.

Working at DPA, I've had the opportunity to hear feedback from people who follow our work. During our recent overdose prevention campaign, quite a few people expressed concerns that DPA's focus on the overdose epidemic would encourage lawmakers to react by placing more regulations on the prescription painkillers that many people need to maintain productive lives. It's not an unwarranted fear considering the DEA's response to Jackson's death and recent calls to restrict acetaminophen access.

The best way to address this concern is to show legislators, law enforcement, and the public that there are alternatives to restricting access to medications.

DPA has been working with Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) to promote her Drug Overdose Reduction Act, which would enact sensible solutions to reduce the number of overdose deaths by thousands each year. The law includes provisions for naloxone distribution and 911 Good Samaritan laws that ensure that people who witness an overdose and call an ambulance will not be vulnerable to criminal prosecution.

We have overdose prevention methods available to us right now, and they work. Educating people about those methods and providing an alternative to the overregulation of individual substances is crucial to ensuring that pain patients can access the medicine they need.