Jun 12
1
Treatment Over Imprisonment? National Drug Policy Looks to Europe
Continue to do the same thing, the same way— over and over— expecting different results: that is the definition of insanity. But it’s also been the basis of our drug policy.
Let me explain the gravity of our loss. The number of drug prisoners in the U.S. is greater than the number of people behind bars for all offenses in Western Europe, which boasts a larger population than ours. “We can’t arrest our way out of this problem,” said Gil Kerlikowske, director of the U.S. National Drug Control Policy. Despite an official statement, “…substantial drop in reported illicit drug use in the U.S. in the past 30 years,” only about 1/5 of those needing treatment currently receive it. And despite these claims, in 2007, officials stated that prescription drug abuse was the 2nd leading cause of accidental deaths.
For more than 30 years, the United States has waged war on drugs. About 85% of all research on drug treatment is done in the U.S. But yet nothing has moved! Nothing has changed! What we’ve done hasn’t worked, and continuing to do the same thing is clearly foolish. So, incarcerating drug addicts doesn’t solve the drug problem. In fact, it doesn’t even heal the drug addict. Drug addiction is an illness. After 30 years of treating it the wrong way— there is still light at the end of the tunnel—a sign we are heading toward success. People are finally looking at alternative programs that seem to work better in treating addicts.
The national policy is lagging behind those of many states. Maryland, New York, and California are just three of the many states who have seen the folly of our national efforts, and proposed alternative programs to treat drug abuse as an illness. Promulgated by the Drug Policy Alliance, these states have enacted some of the most effective drug policy reforms in the country. These are the models we need to follow. Focusing on treatment rather than prison seems to be most effective in the long run. But even these states weren’t first.
In 2001, authorities in Portugal took a demonstrably aggressive stance and discontinued arrests, trials, and prison for persons carrying any drug in an amount clearly intended for personal use. In its place, they redirected their focus to treatment and prevention-messaging. This has been measurably (though not totally) successful, and a model to be examined more closely. Many European countries are following suit. Other countries including Mexico, England, Sweden, Britain and Russia are also joining in the search for a solution, and it seems we are all working together towards a common goal.
It is common knowledge that people who use drugs are particularly susceptible to abuse from authorities. Whether physical, mental, or sexual, the abuse is often unreported because of the lack of credibility given to drug users. Once in prison, they comingle with serious offenders or people who commit crimes for nefarious purposes. Most drug abusers who commit crimes do so as a means to their end, drugs. Once in the penal system, addicts learn new and more egregious means of taking what isn’t theirs, supporting their narcissistic ways and their habits. And the circle continues. Without treatment, the criminal actions will worsen, along with the drug abuse. And the cost to society, the family of the addict, and themselves grows incalculably. Hence, reforming our policy is the key to winning the war against drugs.
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If you or anyone you know is suffering from an addiction, call and find treatment today at:
Center for Addiction Recovery – Addiction Treatment Center: , and speak to one of our certified drug-rehab counselors. They are standing by to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
