Going after the Addiction, Not the Addicted: The Impact of Drug Decriminalization in Portugal

Félix, Sónia; Portugal, Pedro; Tavares, Ana

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3010673

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Modeling can be useful both before an intervention or policy change occurs (to assess theoretical potential impact) or after an intervention (to assess observed impact and project future long-term population impacts). Although there is currently only sparse and inconsistent data in select settings on effectiveness of more radical criminal justice reform policies (e.g., drug decriminalization or legalization) on justice involvement and health outcomes among substance using populations, 9 , 10 there remains utility in using scenario modeling to explore potential policies and outcomes even prior to more widespread policy changes. As effectiveness data accumulate in settings exploring various types of drug decriminalization and diversion, modeling can be a critical tool in evaluating the current and future impact of these programs.…”

Section: The Role Of Simulation Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling as Visioning: Exploring the Impact of Criminal Justice Reform on Health of Populations with Substance Use Disorders

Martin,

Beletsky,

Linas

et al. 2023

MDM Policy & Practice

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In the context of historic reckoning with the role of the criminal-legal system as a structural driver of health harms, there is mounting evidence that punitive drug policies have failed to prevent problematic drug use while fueling societal harms. In this explainer article, we discuss how simulation modeling provides a methodological framework to explore the potential outcomes (beneficial and harmful) of various drug policy alternatives, from incremental to radical. We discuss potential simulation modeling opportunities while calling for a more active role of simulation modeling in visioning and operationalizing transformative change. Highlights This article discusses opportunities for simulation modeling in projecting health and economic impacts (beneficial and harmful) of drug-related criminal justice reforms. We call on modelers to explore radical interventions to reduce drug-related harm and model grand alternative futures in addition to more probable scenarios, with a goal of opening up policy discourse to these options.

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Section: The Role Of Simulation Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling as Visioning: Exploring the Impact of Criminal Justice Reform on Health of Populations with Substance Use Disorders

Martin,

Beletsky,

Linas

et al. 2023

MDM Policy & Practice

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“…In Uruguay and Portugal, the law does not criminalize drug use or possession for personal consumption. Consequently, a prison crisis persists in which ever larger numbers of youths and other vulnerable sectors of society situated at the lowest levels of the drug-trafficking chain are inside the prison system [ 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 ]. Although countries have enacted decriminalization policies, evidence for or against its effectiveness is lacking [ 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ].…”

Section: Regulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Consequently, a prison crisis persists in which ever larger numbers of youths and other vulnerable sectors of society situated at the lowest levels of the drug-trafficking chain are inside the prison system [ 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 ]. Although countries have enacted decriminalization policies, evidence for or against its effectiveness is lacking [ 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ]. Meanwhile, cocaine use is associated with various negative health outcomes, including infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, mental health problems, and mortality, particularly among people with cocaine use disorder [ 101 , 102 ].…”

Section: Regulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cannabis and Other Substance Misuse: Implications and Regulations

Khairinisa,

Alfaqeeh,

Rafif

et al. 2023

Toxics

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Abusing controlled substances, including cannabis and various drugs, can result in severe intoxication and even death. Therefore, a comprehensive postmortem analysis is crucial for understanding the underlying causes of such fatalities. This narrative review discusses the characteristics of commonly abused controlled substances, the methodologies employed in postmortem analysis, lethal dosage levels, mechanisms of toxicity, side effects, and existing regulations. The focus centers on seven prevalent groups of controlled substances, namely cannabis, opioids, amphetamine-type stimulants, cocaine, new psychoactive substances, and hallucinogens. These groups have been linked to an increased risk of fatal overdose. Most substances in these groups exert neurotoxic effects by targeting the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, strict regulation is essential to mitigate the potential harm posed by these substances. To combat abuse, prescribers must adhere to guidelines to ensure their prescribed medications comply with the outlined regulations. Through an enhanced understanding of controlled substance abuse and its consequences, more effective strategies can be developed to reduce its prevalence and associated mortality.

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“…There was a drop in high-risk behaviors related to drug use, a downward trend in the number of overdose deaths, and an increased rate of voluntary treatment seeking. 14 In 2009, Mexico transitioned towards a drug policy that promoted harm reduction and “partial” decriminalization of possessing small quantities of illicit drugs. A study on the impact showed how the lack of concurrent health sector reforms hampers success.…”

Section: An Overview Of Decriminalization and Legalization Models Aro...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Medical Use, Decriminalization, and Legalization of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances—What Does It Mean and What Is Its Current Status in India?

Balhara

Sarkar

Singh

2022

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine

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Going after the Addiction, Not the Addicted: The Impact of Drug Decriminalization in Portugal

Cited by 10 publications

References 8 publications

Modeling as Visioning: Exploring the Impact of Criminal Justice Reform on Health of Populations with Substance Use Disorders

Modeling as Visioning: Exploring the Impact of Criminal Justice Reform on Health of Populations with Substance Use Disorders

Cannabis and Other Substance Misuse: Implications and Regulations

Medical Use, Decriminalization, and Legalization of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances—What Does It Mean and What Is Its Current Status in India?

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