Drug prohibition requires the suppression by force of unauthorized cultivation, manufacture, transport across national frontiers, marketing and personal use of controlled substances. US expenditure continues to spiral upwards: the federal drug control budget now exceeds $15 billion, representing a fourfold increase in expenditure over 10 years, and more than two-thirds of this is allocated to the suppression of supply. Approx. four hundred thousand people are languishing in US jails for violating drug laws. Whilst it is now standard practice for purchasers of treatment services to demand clear evidence of effectiveness, no such structures are applied to enforcement agencies. It therefore time that laws were changed in order to incorporate enforcement agencies also.
Temporary shortage of heroin on the US streets has been associated with the development of ‘designer’ drugs, often of horrifying toxicity. The figure for worldwide production of street drugs has increased dramatically over the last 10 – 15 years. Illicit production of opium has increased from 2242 tonnes in 1987 to 5000 tonnes in 1996, whilst that of coca leaves is thought to have doubled between 1985 and 1994. Customs and police officers in the developed world seem to accept that only 10% or so of illicit drugs entering a country are intercepted or seized on the street. It is thought by many the US, with its repressive drug policy, continues to struggle with the moist devastating drug problem.
Following a comprehensive look at US legislation, it appears that many of the Acts, are outdated and need further consideration, with the changes in present day society.
The Dutch approach to cannabis
Much work has been undertaken in the Netherlands, and lessons could be learnt. ‘Harm reduction’ is a familiar concept in treatment these days, but in the Netherlands, it has been the guiding principle in defining how the drug laws should be implemented. Whilst still aiming to minimize supply and remain in step with other European countries, the Dutch have placed less emphasis on punishing personal possession and use. The police cooperate with a declared wish to keep addicts integrated in society rather than force them underground. There is an acknowledgement that the effects of repressive drug policy are often confused in the public mind with the effects of drugs themselves. However, this only applies to cannabis, sometimes described as a ‘soft’ drug.
In conclusion, Drug regulation is partially effective in the US, but I feel that further work needs to be undertaken in order, to inform the public about the dangers of drug use/abuse. Within the United Kingdom, Health Visitors are in a prime position, to inform the public around Health Education/Public Health, and we often have days dedicated to Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs, these promotional activities are often to school children of all ages. Thus increasing their awareness of the devastating effects of these substances.
Drug Acts also need to be looked at in light of new designer drugs and what can be undertaken to safeguard the public and society.
