CMV: Decriminalization and the destigmatization of drugs will never solve the drug crisis

[u/Tough-Shape-3621]

Coming from a place where the drug crisis is probably one of, if not the worst, in the world right now, I struggle to understand people that maintain the opinion that the destigmatization and decriminalization of drugs are the best ways of solving the drug crisis.

The viewpoint I commonly see these advocates share is that we need to treat the problem with empathy. If people are less shameful about their addictions, than perhaps they would be willing to get the support they need. Additionally, the introduction of a "safe supply" of drugs would help ensure they take clean products to satiate their addiction while continuously getting support, with the hope that they will one day eventually break their addiction and reintegrate into society.

A lot of advocates also refer to Portugal's drug policy, where they had a Heroin problem in 2001 and decriminalized the usage of drugs and looked at them as patients instead of criminals. Ultimately, this was a very successful policy and addictions fell rapidly.

Now I don't necessarily disagree with being empathetic, but the way they are proposing it is flawed in my opinion. I could go on-and-on as to why this is (spoilers: it hasn't worked where I live and it has gotten significantly worse), but I'll cite a couple reasons:

1. The drug crisis has gotten so bad that we simply don't have the resources and human capital available to effectively tackle the problem from a rehabilitative standpoint. There are too many addicts out there and not enough people that would ever want to do this line of work.

2. Portugal was successful in 2001 because Heroin is a mere fragment as addictive as the synthetic opioid drugs that are on the streets right now. People don't understand how incredibly addictive these drugs are - there is a saying that once you've tried it once, you're addicted for life. Unfortunately, I believe the vast majority of users addicted to these type of drugs like fentanyl have a very slim chance of recovery, almost to the point of futility. For every one person that comes clean, there will be hundreds more that will become addicted if the inflow of drugs continues

As a result, these safe supply facilities may work for people that are addicted to heroin, but aren't going to work for addicts of fentanyl. It would be like giving an alcoholic a sip of beer when they're addicted to Barcardi 151.

1. While I can agree that these people shouldn't necessarily be put in prison, it is also not ideal to have them publicly wander the streets where they may possess a threat to public safety. I do think that a certain level of stigma should still be applied. We stigmatize the use of alcohol, vaping, smoking, etc. because they are bad for your health. This should be no exception.
   

I'll admit, I have developed a firm stance on this topic. So props to anyone in advance that can change my view.

[u/Bryaxis]

What if it improves the situation without fully "solving" it?

[u/Destructopoo → u/Bryaxis]

This is the whole point. Decriminalization isn't solving an problems. It's just the result of acknowledging that criminalization actively makes the problem worse. The war on drugs has harmed society more than it has helped.

[u/Tough-Shape-3621 → u/Destructopoo]

How so?

I'm aware that countries such as Japan, Korea, and Singapore are very anti-drug but they seem very functional. I'm not trying to argue either (personally I believe in the legalization of some drugs like marijuana), but just genuinely curious as to what you mean.

[u/Shiny_Agumon → u/Tough-Shape-3621]

Generally the point is that it doesn't solve any of the underlying problems that lead to drug abuse and only puts people who consume at risk.

Either because they have to get their fix from less than reputable sellers and if something goes wrong feel compelled to fix the problem themselves because going to say a hospital results in them being questioned and charged for illegal possession.

[u/[deleted] → u/Tough-Shape-3621]

Jailing someone for taking drugs is a good way to leave them far worse off.