How Portugal Won The War On Drugs

We often believe that incentives, rewards, and punishments drive our behavior, and the stronger the punishment, the less likely we are to do wrong. However, human nature is far more intricate than that. This story explores how Portugal successfully tackled its drug problem by adopting a strategy that defied conventional wisdom.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Portugal dealt with a serious drug problem, as heroin and other substances took a heavy toll on its people. At the height of the crisis, about 1% of the population was addicted to heroin, leading to increased drug-related deaths and HIV cases. Rather than intensifying its fight against drug users, Portugal made a bold move in 2001 and decriminalized all drugs.

This innovative approach meant that carrying small amounts of any drug was no longer treated as a criminal offense but rather as a public health issue. As a result, drug users wouldn't face jail time or receive a criminal record. While drugs can still be confiscated, and those caught may face penalties such as fines or community service, the focus shifted to providing support and treatment for those struggling with addiction.

The results were amazing. Drug-related deaths dropped, unlike in the rest of the EU, where they increased. The number of drug users fell from 1% to 0.3%, and HIV infections among them dropped by over 90%. By challenging traditional perspectives and using a compassionate, evidence-based approach, Portugal demonstrated that breakthrough solutions often stem from understanding and addressing the intricacies of our actions and motivations.

Craving more? Check out the source behind this Brain Snack!