Does the “Drug War” Serve Its Purpose?

source: pixabay (CC0 public domain)

"War is not the answer, because only love can conquer hate."

                                                                      -- Marvin Gaye

by Penny Lai

     With the thriving of mass media, it is easy and common for people to receive the information or images of drugs. It is more than often that they are shown in a way of negative, sinful, and crimeful kind of images. And the concept of fighting the drug cartels, arresting drug abusers, and cleaning off every last bit of the drugs on this world can bring happiness and peace to this world seems to be what people have in mind. The “war on drug” has gone off for decades in America, but the rate of drug abuse and transaction has no significant decrease. In the meanwhile, main stream media and mass culture are using and creating drug-consuming images as if it were acceptable. So perhaps there are better approaches to control the problem that has last more than a hundred years, and make the world a better place.

      In 1970’s, Nixon first used the phrase, “drug war” due to the fear of high percentage of heroin usage by the American soldiers during the Vietnam War, and the rising smuggling rate of the marijuana from the Mexico border. Thus, from the very beginning, marijuana was made for the target of the drug war. However, marijuana has lower addiction tendency than most of the common drugs, even lower than nicotine and alcohol. And unlike other synthetic drugs which might hurt major organs or brains, marijuana mostly affects the lungs if it is being used with tobacco by smoking. However, the knowledge most people have on marijuana is mostly wrong or incomplete, and still, nothing can stop them from judging and arguing with others base on their misconception. Moreover, marijuana has been proved with positive medical use such as a natural painkiller, tranquilizer, and a cancer blocker. There are still a lot of possibilities on marijuana which have yet to be discovered, because the laws and regulations can slow down the research process. Of course, anything can be bad once used incorrectly or excessively. Perhaps some drugs can serve very positive purpose if people open their minds and do comprehensive researches, they can benefit the society with some pleasant results. It is only wise to understand the nature of drugs, the definition and standard of addiction before the government and people set the targets and fire the guns.

     In Nixon’s speech on war on drugs, he declared drug abusers as “the public enemy number one”. The original message emphasized on "prevention of new addicts, and the rehabilitation of those who are addicted", but it did not get as much as attentions as the term “war on drugs.” This message unknowingly enhanced the hatred and conflicts toward drug abusers. However, are the segregation and condemnation from society what the drug addicts really need? There is a number of researches show that the feeling of loneliness or isolation from society can easily lead people into substance addiction. And after people become drug or alcohol abusers, not only do they have to fight against the physical addiction, but also have to bear with a tremendous sense of solitude, since they are not accepted by society. The lack of care and support can make addiction harder to overcome. People often think that drug abusers are morally flawed people who needed to be locked up behind the bars. However, perhaps they just need some medical care and emotional supports in their lives. They are merely people who made a wrong decision on drugs rather than on positive recourses.

     Is it an effective way to solve the problems by catching all the drug abusers and put them in to jails? There are several cases from countries which tried an unusual method with some successful outcome. Portugal, as a model example, in 2001, decriminalized all drugs. The authorities will not arrest in people who hold illicit drugs under 10 days of supply. Instead, they inform them of related regulations to abide by, which the offenders will have to attend “discussion panels.” They provided drug abusers with help, such as prescribed treatments and therapies. The result over the years is more than satisfactory, not only the abuse rate dropped significantly, but the rates of HIV infection and drug overdose had reduced greatly. Because in a society where the drug users are less targeted for and stigmatized, the higher chances are there for them to get out to seek help and care. 

     When people and politicians talk about drugs, it is always considered sensitive and seems bias. However, the rule of disciplining teenagers applies to this issue perfectly: the more you ban something to them, the more interesting it seems to them. People should not judge before acknowledging what they need to know, it goes the same for the governments. Do not walk the same path of the Prohibition in 1920s, which ended up benefiting no one but the illegal organizations. This world does not need more hatred and misunderstanding. People should find the most suitable way as the solutions instead of the ones that seem most effective, but no more than dusting it under the carpet.