Drug Policy in Portugal: The Benefits of Decriminalizing Drug Use
In August 2011, the Open Society Foundations' Global Drug Policy Program announced the second volume in their series of reports that documents positive examples of drug policy reform around the world. "Drug Policy in Portugal: The Benefits of Decriminalizing Drug Use" describes the process, context, ideas, and values that enabled Portugal to make the transition to a public health response to drug use and possession. Now, with a decade of experience, Portugal provides a valuable case study of how decriminalization coupled with evidence-based strategies can reduce drug consumption, dependence, recidivism, and HIV infection, and create safer communities for all.
The report is available for download at: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/drugpolicy/articles_publications/publications/drug-policy-in-portugal-20110829
- Keywords: addiction/dependence, drug treatment, HIV/AIDS, international drug policy, legal/policy resource, MAT/OST/Pharmacotherapy
- Countries: Portugal
