ABSTRACT
Prohibition-led drug policy has led to punitive approaches towards drug use and drug addiction, which has essentially entrenched addiction into whole communities. Prohibition of drugs, just as was seen with prohibition of alcohol, increases violence, increases the strength of available street drugs, increases the risks of using as you never know what you’re actually taking, and stigmatises those that use drugs. Some countries around the world, such as Portugal, have begun to take different approaches, such as decriminalising drug use, diverting funds away from criminal justice into health, social care and employability. There have been positive results. Other countries, such as Uruguay, have legalised marijuana, enabling regulation and taxation, and neatly undercutting the illegal market. There are many models from which to learn and develop a more compassionate and effective approach to addiction.
