The opioid crisis in the USA affects many people and results in a significant loss of life, degradation of health, and the social fabric. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is also a significant motivator for crime, both by opioid users themselves and in the illicit trade supplying them. The trade of illicit opioids is supported by geopolitical rivals of the USA (China) and criminal organizations, and is a significant source of income for criminal and terrorist organizations. It is therefore of vital national interest and national security to end the opioid crisis in the United States on the grounds of both health and national security. This trial protocol presents a means to lower the incidence of OUD, which lowers local crime, healthcare usage, and funding for criminal and terrorist organizations.

Keywords: Opioid use disorder, opioid crisis, illicit trade, addiction, herbal medicine