A new University of Washington (UW) survey is raising new questions about drug use trends in the region, showing a sharp reported decline in injection drug use while fueling debate over how best to respond to the crisis.
The survey, conducted by UW’s School of Public Health, found injection drug use among participants dropped from 93% in 2021 to 44% in 2025, with smoking now the more common method. Researchers also found methamphetamine remains the most frequently used drug, followed by fentanyl.
The report points to housing as a key solution, arguing that stable housing, rather than sobriety requirements, should be the primary focus of public policy concerning meth users…