Subject category:
Economics, Politics and Business Environment
Published by:
Amity Research Centers
Length: 14 pages
Data source: Published sources
Topics:
Drug addiction; Professional care; Drug possession and use; Eliminating drug charges; Violation of human rights; Decreased social stigma; Recidivism; HIV infection; Cannabis and heroin; Evidence based approach for decriminalisation; Creating healthier communities; Reoccurrence of drug use; COVID-19 pandemic
Share a link:
https://casecent.re/p/196871
Write a review
|
No reviews for this item
This product has not been used yet
Abstract
Portugal's drug decriminalisation strategy attracted global interest as it not only decriminalised but redefined drug addiction as an illness. They provided extensive treatment and recovery support to drug users through professional care. The country had addressed the prevalent public opinion to discard the war on drug by introducing decriminalisation of drug possession and use. It had also reduced drug dependence by shifting the management of drug use from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Health. As a result, drug dependent people were treated as patients instead of being considered as criminals. Drug decriminalisation covered the elimination of criminal charges for drug possession and individual use as well as possession of equipment utilised for consuming drugs. On the other hand, criminalising drugs created prominent hurdles in providing health services particularly to HIV and palliative care as well as there was a violation of human rights. Moreover, Portugal's experience became a significant evidence-based approach for decriminalisation focused on reducing drug consumption, dependence, recidivism, and HIV infection, to create healthier communities. Although Portugal had been hailed globally, yet the COVID-19 pandemic had triggered a reoccurrence of drug use. Would Portugal once again be able to successfully combat the resurging drug addiction?
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2024.Geographical setting
Region:
Europe
Country:
Portugal
About
Abstract
Portugal's drug decriminalisation strategy attracted global interest as it not only decriminalised but redefined drug addiction as an illness. They provided extensive treatment and recovery support to drug users through professional care. The country had addressed the prevalent public opinion to discard the war on drug by introducing decriminalisation of drug possession and use. It had also reduced drug dependence by shifting the management of drug use from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Health. As a result, drug dependent people were treated as patients instead of being considered as criminals. Drug decriminalisation covered the elimination of criminal charges for drug possession and individual use as well as possession of equipment utilised for consuming drugs. On the other hand, criminalising drugs created prominent hurdles in providing health services particularly to HIV and palliative care as well as there was a violation of human rights. Moreover, Portugal's experience became a significant evidence-based approach for decriminalisation focused on reducing drug consumption, dependence, recidivism, and HIV infection, to create healthier communities. Although Portugal had been hailed globally, yet the COVID-19 pandemic had triggered a reoccurrence of drug use. Would Portugal once again be able to successfully combat the resurging drug addiction?
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.Settings
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2024.Geographical setting
Region:
Europe
Country:
Portugal