Pros And Cons Of Decriminalization Of Drugs

The view of the people towards the decriminalization of drugs has drastically changed over the past few years. Yes, drugs change the chemicals in the brain by interfering with the process of which neurons send and receive signals. Yes, ingesting drugs can change a persons mood, emotion, as well as their perceptiveness. Therefore making it extremely difficult to quit once one has been using drugs for a significant period of time. The process of decriminalizing drugs would allow people to rather than spend their time behind bars for limited amounts of one substance, to receive the help of others and obtain access to rehabilitation. Although those in possession of a controlled substance should receive punishment, decriminalization would grant

In “The Decriminalization Of Drugs | Here Are The Pros & Cons”, Northeast Addictions Treatment Center states that, “The decriminalization of drugs would remove criminal penalties for drug use and possession of equipment associated with drug use (such as needles and syringes) and low-level sales.” Northeast Addictions Treatment Center is acknowledging how the decriminalization of drugs is to be used and that it would only lower the number of incarcerations throughout the world. Further in their article, Northeast Addictions Treatment Center mentions that “In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drug use but did not legalize it. Citizens who buy, possess, or use up to a ten days supply of illicit drugs are referred to substance abuse treatment programs instead of jails or prisons.” This is a sole example of how the world has proceeded cautiously when dealing with cases involving illicit drugs. However, instead of referring one in possession of illicit drugs to a jail or prison, they are referred to a rehabilitation center. As previously mentioned, allowing those to receive treatment rather than being locked up and entered into the justice system, has and will continue to better society and the view on those involved in the buying and selling of illegal

In Kailash Chad’s article, “Head to Head: should drugs be decriminalized? Yes,” he mentions that, “decriminalization of heroin and other hard drugs has allowed addicts to be treated as patients” and “hardly any new heroin addicts are registered while existing users are supported and have been helped to get jobs.” Chad talks of how the decriminalization of certain drugs has allowed many people to be treated as patients and have been allowed to refrain from using drugs. He also mentions how former users have received help and have been granted the chance to achieve well-paying and competent jobs. While those receiving treatment due to the decriminalization of drugs are continuing to succeed in life, others who are still partaking in the practice of using drugs are driving themselves deeper into trouble and making it significantly more difficult to receive help and live the average life they may dream