Drug Decriminalization
In 2016, 2,205,300 people were incarcerated for drug possession in the US alone. This is the highest incarceration rate in the world. This number shows the alarming rates at which individuals are getting punished for drug use. The incarceration of drug users only exacerbates and contributes to drug abuse in individuals, whereas decriminalization would offer alternative solutions to those struggling with substance issues. Countries such as Portugal have already decriminalized drug possession and are seeing positive results in lowering numbers of drug related deaths and better prevention of HIV.
As opposed to what many may think, “There is essentially no relationship between the punitiveness of a country’s drug laws and its rates of drug use.” Says drug reform think tank Transform. The US spends $47+ million on the drug war every year. Furthermore, there is a significant body of evidence that shows enforcement of drug charges has little deterrence on drug use. These efforts and funds could be refocused into giving rehabilitation to those struggling with drug abuse. In fact, decriminalization and recategorization of small possession of drugs (10 days use and under) in Portugal has helped to reduce the number of people arrested and involved in criminal court cases “-from over 14,000 in the year 2000, to around 5,500-6,000 per year once the policy had come into effect” in 2001. Additionally, the proportion of drug offenders in prison has declined from 44% in 1999 to 21% in 2012. These numbers clearly showcase the benefits that decriminalization has on crime rates and possible ways for the government to redirect their efforts.
Another benefit of decriminalization concerns the health of individuals who use drugs. Rates of HIV contracted from injected drug use have fallen from 1,016 in 2001 to 56 in 2012 in Portugal. This dramatic drop is not solely reliant upon decriminalization but is also a result of efforts to provide proper healthcare to those using intravenous drugs. A 2012 analysis in the Harm Reduction Journal posits that drops in drug deaths in Portugal is thanks to providing better treatment. Some places in Canada, specifically Vancouver, law enforcement has endorsed a public health approach to the opioid crisis and rarely pursue drug charges against users. This alongside the legalization of marijuana in Canada in 2018 are steps already taken by the Canadian government to combat drug use.
While decriminalization is not the be all end all answer to solving large numbers of drug use in individuals, it provides new avenues through which government agencies can approach the negative effects of drug use. In Portugal, there have been significant improvements in numbers of drug convictions and numbers of recorded HIV cases. Overall these stats represent an improvement in the larger issue of treatment of individuals struggling with drug use and a move towards a more productive and progressive way to handle the effects of substance abuse. Decriminalization is the first step towards helping those struggling with drug abuse.
I still cannot believe that cases of HIV dropped from 1016 to 56 in 11 years. It truly shows what an epidemic drug abuse is, and how quickly governments can act on it. Very Interesting piece GG.
ReplyDeleteGreat argument. If only the government would open their eyes and stop ignoring the people who need their support!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I agree that decriminalization will not solve all of the drug related problems but would surely have a positive impact on our society. Did we learn nothing from prohibition?!
ReplyDelete