Drug Abuse

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the harm-reduction approach to eliminating social problems associated with drug abuse. It cites examples of models from other countries and several expert opinions. The paper compares and contrasts the current drug abuse policy in the United States. The paper also presents the downfalls of the supply-and-demand-reduction approach.

From the Paper:

"There are two traditional approaches to drug abuse, the supply reduction approach which aims at reducing the supply of drugs by placing a greater law enforcement emphasis on combating producing countries, and the demand reduction approach which focuses on the prevention and treatment of drug abusers reducing the demand for drugs. There is however a third approach to dealing with drug abuse problems faced by society; this alternative approach is called the harm reduction approach. Although there is no clear cut definition for harm reduction it can simply be explained as a method of reducing the harms associated with drug abuse both to the user and to society. Although this method does not focus on eliminating the use of drugs or the supply of drugs it does provide a viable alternative that addresses the problems or harms caused by illegal drug use. The most obvious difference in the harm reduction approach as compared to the supply/demand approaches is the focus on decreasing the negative consequences of the drug use instead of focusing on eliminating the drug use."

More papers on Drug Abuse:

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• Research Paper # 122067 : "Drug Abuse and Mental Health"
• Term Paper # 121995 : "Drug Abuse and Mental Illness"

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