Multidisciplinary argument for the decriminalization of drugs

Gibson, Sandy; Patterson, Natasha; Naples, Michele I.; Mitchell, Michael B.; Bates, Diane C.; Bowen, Daniel; Dell'Angelo, Tabitha; Herres, Joanna; Pearson, Kim; Whalen, Dara; Lowe, Laurie; Donaldson, Robert

doi:10.1002/jaoc.12122

J Addict Offender Couns

2023

DOI: 10.1002/jaoc.12122

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Multidisciplinary argument for the decriminalization of drugs

Sandy Gibson,

Natasha Patterson,

Michele I. Naples

et al.

Abstract: This manuscript offers an overview of 11 disciplinary perspectives on the failed and destructive War on Drugs and the salutary prospects from decriminalizing drug use, including History, African American studies, Journalism, Sociology, Political Science, Cost Accounting, Urban Education, Counseling, Psychology, Nursing, and Public Health. This offers a roadmap for counselor social and political advocacy with drug policy and highlights community collaboration opportunities.

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2024

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Unpacking the Effects of Decriminalization: Understanding Drug Use Experiences and Risks among Individuals Who Use Drugs in British Columbia

Ali,

Russell,

et al. 2024

Harm Reduct J

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Objectives On January 31, 2023, a three-year exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act was granted to the Canadian province British Columbia (BC), allowing the cumulative possession of 2.5 g of specific unregulated drugs amongst adults. The goals of the policy are to reduce health, social, and economic harms associated with criminalization, stigma, drug overdose deaths, as well as drug seizures, arrests, and associated enforcement and court costs. As the inaugural year has passed, we aimed to assess people who use drugs’ awareness and knowledge of the, as well as the policy’s impact on their drug use patterns and overdose risk. Methods We conducted 100 telephone-based semi-structured interviews with people who use drugs from across BC, exploring changes in drug use experiences and perceived overdose risk since the implementation of the policy. Participants also completed an interviewer-administered survey assessing socio-demographics and substance use patterns. We utilized a qualitative content analysis approach to analyze the interview data. Results Our findings indicate a general awareness of the policy among participants, although some policy details were often misunderstood, and participants expressed the need for more widespread dissemination of policy information. While the majority of participants reported that their drug use patterns remained unchanged after decriminalization, some made subtle adjustments, such as carrying under the 2.5 g threshold to minimize the risk of criminalization. Participants highlighted several policy benefits and concerns, including its potential to reduce criminalization and stigmatization, but also increase public drug consumption. Participants offered suggestions for policy improvement. Conclusion These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of the impacts of decriminalization regarding its potential impact on people who use drugs’ drug use patterns and related risks. Reevaluation of the possession threshold and efforts to enhance education and awareness about the policy could help achieve the policy’s goals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-024-01108-5.

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Unpacking the Effects of Decriminalization: Understanding Drug Use Experiences and Risks among Individuals Who Use Drugs in British Columbia

Ali,

Russell,

et al. 2024

Harm Reduct J

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

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Multidisciplinary argument for the decriminalization of drugs

Cited by 1 publication

References 185 publications

Unpacking the Effects of Decriminalization: Understanding Drug Use Experiences and Risks among Individuals Who Use Drugs in British Columbia

Unpacking the Effects of Decriminalization: Understanding Drug Use Experiences and Risks among Individuals Who Use Drugs in British Columbia

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