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Opinion: Decriminalizing Drug Use: A Call for Change [1]

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Date: 2023-10-21  

In a recent proposal concerning individuals who use drugs, San Francisco’s mayor, London Breed, suggests the implementation of substance abuse screening and treatment as a prerequisite for low-income residents to access welfare funds. Earlier this year, Breed made the decision to deploy 130 officers onto the city’s streets with the intention of apprehending individuals who use drugs and coercing them into drug treatment programs.

Between May and June 2023, a total of fifty-eight individuals were detained, with a significant majority of sixty percent belonging to marginalized communities, specifically people of color. As of late September, a concerning number of 476 individuals have been arrested under the suspicion of drug use or being under the influence of drugs while in public. However, as highlighted by police chief Bill Scott, it is disheartening to note that out of the nearly 500 individuals who have been arrested, only two have been provided with the opportunity to access drug treatment. This raises concerns about the lack of support and resources available to those who are struggling with substance abuse issues within our society.

The drug enforcement initiatives currently taking place in San Francisco bear a striking resemblance to the policies of the 1980s, commonly referred to as the “war on drugs.” These policies had a profoundly disproportionate impact on marginalized communities of color, particularly within the realms of criminal justice and the legal system.

It is widely recognized, across party lines, that the war on drugs has been a resounding failure in terms of its policy outcomes. Why are policymakers actively reintroducing policies that have previously caused harm to communities?

Some individuals argue that the approach of arresting individuals who use drugs can be seen as “tough love,” highlighting the belief that arresting them may be their sole means of achieving sobriety or rehabilitation. However, not all individuals who engage in drug use necessarily aspire to achieve recovery. It is crucial to recognize that criminalizing drug use does not align with the principles of empathetic treatment.

The approach of “tough love” undermines the fundamental principles of agency and autonomy for individuals who engage in drug use. Proponents of such policies often perceive individuals as lacking the ability to make informed decisions and take actions that are in their own best interests. Meanwhile, they tend to place an excessive amount of trust in the state, seeing it as a sort of protector.

Decades of compelling evidence consistently demonstrate that resorting to arrests as a means to address the pressing issues of overdose and homelessness is an ineffective and unsustainable approach.

Rainbow Fentanyl

It is deeply concerning that San Francisco is projected to experience a higher number of overdose deaths this year compared to the already devastating toll of over 700 lives lost in 2020 due to drug overdoses.

In the first eight months of 2023, a staggering 563 lives have been tragically lost due to drug overdoses, as reported by the San Francisco Medical Examiner’s Office. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues that contribute to substance abuse and prevent further loss of life. It is crucial to acknowledge that while some individuals may advocate for policing as the sole solution to address the overdose and homelessness, there are potential negative consequences of such an approach. Implementing hyper-policing measures and intensifying drug war policies during a period when rates of drug overdose and homelessness are increasing will likely result in a harmful cycle of imprisonment, prolonged homelessness, and an alarming rise in preventable deaths.

There is an inherent injustice in utilizing prison and jail cells as a substitute for providing individuals with proper housing or access to necessary treatment. The heightened presence of law enforcement poses a significant threat to marginalized communities, as it increases the likelihood of unjustly targeting and accusing individuals within these communities of drug-related offenses.

There is overwhelming evidence that highlights the detrimental impact of incarceration on individuals, particularly in relation to their vulnerability to overdose and subsequent death upon release. This unfortunate reality stems from the loss of tolerance experienced during incarceration, coupled with the limited availability of comprehensive drug treatment within correctional facilities. The practice of incarcerating individuals who use drugs not only isolates them from crucial social networks, but also denies them essential healthcare, harm reduction, and housing services. Access to resources is of utmost importance, particularly for individuals who find themselves on the fringes of society due to their struggles with substance use and homelessness.

The criminalization of drugs is not only incredibly costly, but it also has detrimental effects on human rights. Each year, an astonishing $47 billion is allocated towards the enforcement of drug prohibition. This substantial amount of money could be better utilized to address pressing human rights issues and promote social justice. Redirecting these funds towards education, healthcare, and rehabilitation programs would not only benefit individuals struggling with substance abuse but also contribute to the overall well-being and advancement of society. It is crucial that we prioritize human rights and allocate resources in a manner that fosters compassion, support, and equality for all individuals. In 2021, an astounding $3.3 billion of taxpayers’ hard-earned money was allocated to support the operations of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These funds have the potential to be redirected towards providing crucial support to communities that are disproportionately affected by homelessness and substance use.

Decriminalization has proven to be effective in various cities, as shown by the policies they have adopted. According to a recent study, it has been found that the implementation of drug decriminalization laws in Oregon and Washington state did not lead to any significant rise in fatal drug overdose rates.

To effectively tackle the underlying reasons behind the alarming increase in overdose and homelessness rates, it is crucial for policymakers, elected officials, and funders to reconsider their approach. Rather than investing in strategies that perpetuate criminalization and punishment, it is imperative that we redirect resources toward evidence-based public health solutions that prioritize the well-being and needs of these communities.

Every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to be treated with compassion and care. This includes people who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness. We must recognize their inherent dignity and work towards providing them with the support and resources they need to lead fulfilling lives. ​It is vital that we refrain from resorting to incarceration for non-violent offenders.

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