Richard J. Baum
Author • Speaker • Drug Policy Advisor • Consultant
Author of Inside America’s Opioid Crisis: 12 Hard Lessons for Today’s Drug War
Former Acting Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (“Drug Czar”)
About Richard J. Baum
Richard J. Baum is a longtime public policy leader, author, and former Acting Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, where he served across six presidential administrations. His forthcoming book, Inside America’s Opioid Crisis: 12 Hard Lessons for Today’s Drug War, reflects on lessons learned from decades of work at the intersection of government, public health, and addiction policy.
Upcoming Speaking & Events
SAM / Good Drug Policy Summit — Speaker
Maryland • February 5
AEI Drug Policy Discussion — Panelist
Washington, D.C. • March 18 (date TBC)
All Rise / National Drug Court Conference — Panelist
Nashville, Tennessee • July 20–23, 2026
Speaking, Media, Consulting
Richard speaks regularly at conferences, policy forums, universities, and professional associations, and is available for interviews and advisory discussions related to drug policy, addiction, public health, drug enforcement, justice policy, and international drug control issues. His work draws on decades of federal leadership experience — both on Capitol Hill and in the White House — and close collaboration with national, state, and local partners.
Inside America’s Opioid Crisis
Richard’s forthcoming book, Inside America’s Opioid Crisis: 12 Hard Lessons for Today’s Drug War, draws on decades of firsthand experience in federal policy leadership to examine how the nation’s response to addiction has evolved — and where it must change to save lives and strengthen communities..