our message to policy makers

A better future starts with drug policy reform

The War on Drugs has been a failure and has caused harm and suffering worldwide. It disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized, and has not significantly decreased drug use. Instead of punishing and criminalizing drug users, we should focus on providing them with support and resources for recovery. One solution is the legalization of all drugs, which would regulate and control the purity and safety of drugs, reduce drug-related violence, bring economic benefits, and respect individual autonomy. It is time to move towards a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy.

#Facts

Impact on Lives

• The Drug War in Mexico has led to over 70,000 deaths since the year 2006
• ​In the year 2012, 1.55 million Americans were arrested on nonviolent drug charges 
• Today, around 500,000 people remain behind bars on non-violent drug charges

​Reference:
The War on Drugs: History and Facts. (2021, May 5). Criminal Justice Programs. https://www.criminaljusticeprograms.com/articles/war-on-drugs-history-and-facts/

#Facts

Social Impact

• The U.S. war on drugs has subjected millions to criminalisation, incarceration, and lifelong criminal records, disrupting or altogether eliminating their access to adequate resources and supports to live healthy lives.
  

Reference:
Cohen, A., Vakharia, S. P., Netherland, J., & Frederique, K. (2022). How the war on drugs impacts social determinants of health beyond the criminal legal system. Annals of medicine, 54(1), 2024–2038. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2022.2100926

#Facts

Economic Impact

• Since 1971, the war on drugs has cost the United States an estimated $1 trillion
• In 2015, the federal government spent an estimated $9.2 million every day to incarcerate people charged with drug-related offenses—that’s more than $3.3 billion annually

​Reference:
Ending the War on Drugs: By the Numbers. (2021, October 28). Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/ending-war-drugs-numbers/

Home     Addiction resources  case studies   About        Contact