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Social policy issues in narcotics abuse
1Mental Health & Human Services Department, Kingsborough Community College of C.U.N.Y., Brooklyn, NY 11235.
Journal of Health & Social Policy
|December 9, 1992
Summary
This study explores drug abuse social policies, focusing on treatment and law enforcement. It recommends civil commitment programs linking personal freedom to drug-free behavior for addicts.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Drug abuse social policy is a contentious issue.
- Existing policies often involve treatment and law enforcement strategies.
- Understanding the interplay between these policies is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between different social policies for drug abuse.
- To emphasize the roles of treatment and law enforcement in drug abuse management.
- To propose a policy recommendation for addressing heroin and cocaine addiction.
Main Methods:
- Policy analysis of existing social strategies for drug abuse.
- Examination of the effectiveness of treatment versus law enforcement approaches.
- Review of civil commitment program models.
Main Results:
- The study highlights the controversy surrounding current drug abuse social policies.
- It identifies a need for clearer policy frameworks integrating treatment and enforcement.
- Civil commitment emerges as a potential strategy with specific conditions.
Conclusions:
- Social policy for drug abuse requires a balanced approach.
- Civil commitment programs offer a structured choice for addicts, linking freedom to sobriety.
- Policy development should consider the contingent relationship between personal liberty and responsible behavior.