Drug, illicit substances, drug decriminalization, public health, social justice, addiction
The document briefly comments on bibliographic references, then gives an outline on the subject of decriminalization of responsible drug use.
Excerpt: 'The problem of decriminalization of responsible drug use requires policy reform as a solution to fight drug-related harms by focusing on public health and social justice. The pivot away from the punitive approach toward a harm reduction approach strives to minimise stigma, enhance access to treatment, and channel resources toward preventive and supportive services. Proponents of decriminalization claim that decriminalization creates a more compassionate and efficient approach to drug use, emphasising harm reduction strategies instead of criminalisation. This strategy recognises the diverse social and health rationale behind substance use disorders and advocates for policies that put the welfare and rights of people who are affected by drug use first.'
[...] Recent policies have, however, moved beyond criminalization and the provision of harm reduction services like supervised injection sites and medication-assisted treatment. These programs focus on public health and social justice, which is meant to minimize drug-related harms and increase accessibility, as well as scientifically evidenced treatment services. - Sociological Theory: Labeling Theory and Stigmatization of Drug Users Applying sociological theory, including labeling theory, shows that drug users are still discriminated against by social authorities and structures. Labeling people as drug users generates their alienation since many lack access to health care, employment, and social benefits. [...]
[...] Impact evaluations of drug decriminalization and legal regulation on drug use, health, and social harms: a systematic review. BMJ open, e035148. II. Section B - Outline: Decriminalization of Responsible Drug Use - Restatement of the Issue The problem of decriminalization of responsible drug use requires policy reform as a solution to fight drug-related harms by focusing on public health and social justice. The pivot away from the punitive approach towards a harm reduction approach strives to minimize stigma, enhance access to treatment, and channel resources toward preventive and supportive services. [...]
[...] Decriminalization of Responsible Drug Use - Annotated Bibliography I. Section A - Bibliography - Hakkarainen, P., & Kainulainen, H. (2021). Drug use, public debate, and increasing pressures for drug policy reform in Finland. Retreat or entrenchment, 37-66. This article explains drug policy reform in Finland as the public discourse and societal pressures are changing. The authors analyze the historical context of drug policy in Finland by revealing the origins of public debate about drug use and its repercussions on policy reform. [...]
[...] Trends in college students' alcohol, nicotine, prescription opioid, and other drug use after recreational marijuana legalization: 2008-2018: addictive behaviors 106212. Bae, H., & Kerr, D. C. (2020). Marijuana use trends among college students in states with and without legalization of recreational use: initial and longer-term changes from 2008 to 2018. Addiction, 115(6), 1115-1124. Hakkarainen, P., & Kainulainen, H. (2021). Drug use, public debate, and increasing pressures for drug policy reform in Finland. Retreat or entrenchment, 37-66. MacQuarrie, A. L., & Brunelle, C. [...]
[...] - Prevalent Stereotypes: Demonization of Drug Users The most widespread stereotypes about drug users associate them with thieves, cheaters, and lazy people. Such stereotypes often denote the negative portrayal of drug addicts in society. Stereotypes may be fair, but they might like social isolation, discrimination, and limited access to health and assisting services. Media presentations like, for example, sensational stories in the media, negative depictions of drug addicts in movies, and such derogatory portrayals feed into this public stigma held against people with an addiction. [...]
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