The Decriminalization of Drugs and Other Innovative Approaches Could Solve America’s Drug Problem
America’s war on drugs, started by President Nixon, has been an abject failure in almost every way. After millions of shattered lives and billions spent on incarcerations, drug use has only increased in the decades that followed. In fact, the sole “success” of the war on drugs is that the United States became the world’s leading incarcerator.To combat the persistent issues caused by the war on drugs, America simply needs to look at its global neighbors and allies for innovative approaches that can solve our drug crisis.
Following Portugal’s Lead, America Could Decriminalize Drugs
Ask any drug crime lawyer whether drug users in prison deserve their lengthy sentences, and they will respond with an emphatic, “No!” Decriminalizing drug use would eliminate incarcerations for drug use, replacing this antiquated practice with a health-centered approach that revitalizes communities.
Portugal provides an incredible example of the benefits afforded to societies when they decriminalize drugs.
To Combat the Dangers of Heroin, the U.S. Can Implement Heroin-Assisted Treatment Programs
Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) programs are used to great effect in Canada and other European nations. HAT programs and centers provide clinically administered doses of heroin that have been proven time and again to reduce illicit drug use, crime, disease and overdose deaths.
These programs also focus on social reintegration and comprehensive wellness, which has resulted in convincing successes.
Supervised Injection Facilities Can Reduce HIV Infections and Overdose Deaths
Finally, supervised injection facilities (SIFs) are yet another inventive approach to reducing the dangers of drug use. By providing clean and sterile syringes, disease, overdoses and HIV risks are all greatly reduced. More importantly, statistics show that these facilities do not increase drug use or related criminal activity. Unfortunately, none of these facilities have been implemented in the United States.
The time has come for America to implement some of these remarkable approaches that will reduce incarceration, crime, drug use and diseases without relying on a broken criminal justice system that compounds the drug problem instead of fixing it.
If you have been arrested on drug charges in the Los Angeles area and need the assistance of an expert drug lawyer, seek out a proven drug lawyer at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Call now at (310) 277-1707, or go to our website: www.youareinnocent.com for a free consultation.Windows 10 activator
