Punitive Drug Prohibition

Paper Summary:

In order to illustrate the ineffectiveness of the current U.S. effort at drug control, this paper compares the current laws prohibiting drug use to the laws regarding alcohol consumption that were in effect during Alcohol Prohibition from 1920 to 1933. The paper points out that, much as the laws during Prohibition were not only ineffective but eventually counterproductive as well, the current U.S. policy on drugs delivers similar consequences. The paper also looks at an alternative correctional program for drug crime and abuse known as harm reduction, and outlines its set of policy beliefs that guide its approach to solving the drug problem. The paper points out that, in spite of the success rate of harm reduction programs in this country and other countries, the U.S. continues with its present ineffective policy, which suggests that other countries place greater emphasis on public health benefits than does the U.S., where moralistic impulses and ideals tend to prevail.

From the Paper:

"Alcohol Prohibition from 1920 to 1933 did not work. There are many parallels from this failed effort and the current laws prohibiting drugs in the United States. Alcohol prohibition was undertaken to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons and poorhouses, and improve the health of Americans. According to research, alcohol consumption of alcohol fell at the beginning of Prohibition, but then it subsequently increased. "Alcohol became more dangerous to consume; crime increased and became "organized"; the court and prison systems were stretched to the breaking point; and corruption of public officials was rampant." Instead of measurable gains in productivity or reduced absenteeism, Prohibition removed a significant source of tax revenue and greatly increased government spending. It led many drinkers to switch to more dangerous substances such as opium, marijuana, patent medicines and cocaine that they would have been unlikely to encounter in the absence of Prohibition."

More papers on Punitive Drug Prohibition:

• Essay # 50364 : "Punitive Drug Prohibition"
• Argumentative Essay # 3713 : "Why Prohibition is Not the Answer"
• Research Paper # 3000 : "The War on Drugs: Fighting a Losing Battle"

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