Facebook Will Redirect Searches about Opiates to SAMHSA Support Services

Many news outlets are reporting on a newly introduced feature of Facebook to help support people who use opiate drugs. 

Anyone searching for opiates for sale through the social media platform's search bar or seeking out addiction treatment will be directed to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) federal crisis helpline. 

The new feature will not only reduce the opportunity for illicit and prescription drugs to be sold or traded through the social media platform, which is in direct contravention of Facebook community standards, but will also allow people in need to connect more quickly with appropriate support. 

According to Scientific American this new feature "was specific to Facebook, but planned in consultation with the recovery advocacy group Facing Addiction and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration."

It is thought the feature will also be rolled out on the image sharing platform, Instagram, which is also owned by Facebook. Earlier this year it was reported in Wired magazine that issues with the illegal sale of opiates had been flagged with Instagram with action being taken including the banning of hashtags which can be used to index searches and the closure of some accounts.