Issues & Policies
Nixon and the Start of ‘The Drug War’ (1969-1974)
In 1969, Richard M. Nixon declared that drugs were America’s number one enemy as his administration officially launched what would be known as the U.S. ‘war on drugs’. As heroin use was on the rise, primarily among returning Vietnam War...
Addiction
Most of those who experiment with drugs are not looking to upend their lives. Teens, especially, try drugs out of curiosity, to escape boredom or from peer pressure. Unfortunately, 33% of the time, seemingly harmless infrequent use evolves into a...
Depenalization and Decriminalization
Depenalization differs from legalization in that drugs remain illegal, but possession of small amounts carry minor penalties such as fines or community service, rather than time in jail. Since the 1970s, many U.S. states have depenalized the possession of limited...
A Focus on Harm Reduction under Ford and Carter (1974-1981)
Both the Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter administrations would continue supporting treatment programs, with more focus on harm reduction (link to Policy Alternatives and the Debate). Ford altered Nixon’s drug strategy by prioritizing the actual treatment of heroin addicts over...
Treatment
Given the costs to drug users, their families, friends, employers, and health care providers, 67% of Americans now favor treating drug addiction as a health problem. While the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) conservatively estimates that every $1 invested...
Decriminalization & the Portuguese Example
In 2001, the sections of the Portuguese penal code regarding drugs were revised to incorporate an administrative system of fines and treatment plans. Since then, lawbreakers have been ticketed and referred to hearings by a three-member panel, including a legal,...