The War on Drugs

As we enter the 21st century, among the other complex issues that must be faced as a threat to all of humanity, one must consider the issue of illegal drugs, or more specifically, what has been termed the 'War on Drugs'. This paper will discuss this war, and conclude with a consideration of the decriminalization of drugs themselves.

Currently, laws and policies in opposition to illegal drugs vary by nation from almost no punishment, to fines and imprisonment, to death (Holden-Rhodes, 1997). For all of these policies and all of their good intentions, however, policies have been ineffective. Granted, once a drug offender is executed their life of crime is over, but this is the rare exception to the rule, as the classic supply/demand scenario, addiction issues, and the like fuel the fire of recidivism in the illegal drug world, making virtually all current laws and policies ineffective (Kopp, 2003).

There are some recommendations that could be offered in changing current drug policies/laws to effectively combat drugs, if for no other reason than the fact that making drugs illegal fails to curb supply and demand, nor does legal punishment prevent recidivism in any substantial way. Therefore, it is suggested that education and greater assistance in dealing with addiction issues be put forth- cutting demand will reduce supply just as it currently feeds it. Theoretically, this could positively impact the war on drugs, as the funds that are now spent on law enforcement and imprisonment could be funneled into improving lives. Admittedly, there is a drawback in this idea, in that some will simply choose not to give up drugs, no matter what, which brings about the issue of the decriminalization of drugs in order to cut the crime rate.

Decriminalization of Drugs