Athena R. Huckaby, MPH

11/16/2025

"We need to explore adapting white market regulations and incentives to help us prevent the flooding of all drug markets. For example, we could require accurate labeling, consumer education, waiting periods or other kinds of friction to slow down or prevent impulsive or risky purchases in what are now unregulated prohibition markets. We also need to build tailored, low-barrier, quality-controlled markets for those who become addicted despite protections. The goal is to reduce, not eliminate, drug use and to minimize the chances that a consumer who does drugs will experience addiction, overdose or other unwanted outcomes."

Everything the Trump administration is doing to stop the flow of drugs is just making the problem worse.

11/15/2025

Did you see the news? There is a huge change in federal funding, taking funding away from permanent housing and putting it toward emergency housing and shelters. What does this mean?

This means that 170,000 people nationwide, mostly people over 50, mostly disabled, will be evicted from their homes. They will become homeless again, and emergency shelters will be their only option. This does not help the situation.

We must move on this. Please take this to your organization. Please have them sign the petition. Please spread awareness.

11/15/2025

Ketamine with Elite for PTSD and anxiety is working very well for me. I have a video coming out about it soon. Stay tuned! Happy to answer questions ❤️

11/14/2025

Why am I just now learning the history of Synanon and the way this history still informs drug treatment today?

"Founded in 1958, Synanon sold itself as a cure for hardcore he**in addicts who could help each other by 'breaking' new initiates with isolation, humiliation, hard labor, and sleep deprivation.

"Described as one of the 'most dangerous and violent cults America had ever seen,' Synanon disbanded in 1991 after several members were convicted of offenses including financial misdeeds, evidence tampering, terrorism, and attempted murder."

Synanon, originally known as Tender Loving Care, was a new religious movement founded in 1958 by Charles E. "Chuck" Dederich Sr. in Santa Monica, California, United States. Originally established as a drug rehabilitation program, Synanon developed into an alternative community centered on group trut...

11/13/2025

This makes me incredibly sad. Because the judges here in Las Cruces, New Mexico wouldn't find this man to be dangerous in the eyes of the law, and wouldn't refer him to AOT or civil commitment, he will now face charges of up to 20 years and will possibly end up in federal prison, instead.

I do not support carceral solutions to behavioral and mental health problems.

At the same time, I understand that the community is fed up, and I can understand why so many are celebrating that this individual will no longer be causing problems on our streets.

I heard something today at a conference that I am attending. They said: some cities are "so compassionate" that they let people die in the street.

I could hear the argument that prison for this man might be more compassionate than that fate. I don't know. I know it's very sad.

11/12/2025

I told a new person working with me about alcohol prohibition and how bootleggers would sometimes put wood alcohol in with the supply and how people would go blind from it. Here in New Mexico, I think alcohol, especially hard liquor, is much too accessible. But I am grateful that there is a safe supply.

Let’s talk about why 1 shot of alcohol won’t kill you.

It’s a regulated supply. You know the proof, the percentage, the dose. You can measure it. You can trust that one shot is the same today as it was yesterday and all the days before. A shot is the same as it was when I had my first drink 17 years ago.

If alcohol wasn’t regulated, if it came from a street market full of random chemistry, then yes, one shot could kill you.

That’s literally the difference between alcohol and the unregulated drug supply. People aren’t dying because they “can’t handle their drugs.” They’re dying because the supply is unpredictable and always changing.

Safe supply isn’t about encouraging use. It’s about giving people the same safety standard that drinkers take for granted.

11/10/2025

Ever seen "The Last Narc" on Amazon Prime? It’s about DEA agent Kiki Camarena, who was kidnapped, tortured, and killed in 1985.

Now evidence show the CIA was present during his questioning and torture. We already know the agency has trafficked crack, he**in, and ma*****na to fund covert, unsanctioned wars.

This is history, and context for how U.S. drug policy has evolved and who’s benefited from it and continues to benefit.

If you’re curious, watch The Last Narc and check out The Politics of He**in by Alfred McCoy.

Be safe out there!

**in

11/07/2025

*raises hand*

Contact me if naloxone is needed!

11/07/2025

Who's my ice skating date?? 👀

11/06/2025

Never mind that the judge wouldn't recommend AOT (Assisted Outpatient Treatment, a program also referred to as "civil commitment," administered by Doña Ana County Health & Human Services and held at La Clinica De Familia). The AOT program is not even taking new referrals right now, and as far as I am aware, still doesn't even have a psychiatrist. So we have a judge that won't refer to a program that can't take referrals right now, anyway! The gaps are enormous and the whole community suffers.

11/05/2025

Delighted to be serving as the Chair of the Las Cruces Su***de Prevention Task Force and using that platform to raise awareness about the links between substance use disorders and suicidality. Join us for International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day on November 22nd from 9:30am to 2pm at Morningstar United Methodist Church in Las Cruces. You are not alone.

Community Partner Spotlight: Las Cruces Su***de Prevention Task Force

The Su***de Prevention Task Force's primary focus is to raise awareness, educate, train and support the community by developing and sustaining partnerships, providing technical assistance, and contributing to policy and legislative initiatives related to su***de prevention. To learn more, visit www.lcsu***deprevention.com.

11/05/2025

Naloxone training coming up in Alamogordo!