International drug policy – health before politics

Drugs and Alcohol Today,Volume 17, Issue 2, June 2017. Purpose To explain how international drug policy continues to have a hugely damaging effect on population health, human rights and wellbeing, not only on individuals who consume and/or sell drugs but also on societies as a whole. And to review whether anything has changed after UNGASS. Design/methodology/approach Reviewing the latest evidence whether health is any nearer to being the cornerstone of drug policy than previous Findings We found the criminalisation and incarceration of people who use drugs, mainly from the most marginalised sections of society, remains the primary response in almost every member state of the UN and there are at least 33 countries that retain the death penalty for drug offences. The impact on the health of PWIDs living with HIV is devastating and overdose and AIDS related mortality are the leading causes of death. Hepatitis C infections among PWIDs are increasing at epidemic levels even though this now a curable disease. Practical implications Changes in drug policy urgently needed Originality/value Important review of the health implications of bad drug policy
Source: Drugs and Alcohol Today - Category: Addiction Source Type: research