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First academic study of Portuguese drugs policy published

The first independent academic study of Portugal’s 2001 decriminalisation of all illicit drugs shows it did not lead to increases in drug-related harms, says University of Kent criminologist Professor Alex Stevens.

In a new study on the Portuguese decriminalisation policy, published in this month’s British Journal of Criminology (BJC), Professor Stevens and Dr Caitlin Hughes, of the University of New South Wales, show that, contrary to predictions, the change did not lead to increases in problematic use, drug-related harms and criminal justice overcrowding.

Professor Stevens, of the University’s School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, said: ‘In July 2001, Portugal decriminalised the possession of up to ten days’ supply of all types of illicit drugs. Instead of being arrested, people found in possession of these substances are referred to regional “committees for the dissuasion of addiction”.

‘These committees have the power to impose warnings or administrative sanctions, including fines, restrictions on driving permits and referral to treatment. However, in the majority of cases, they give a provisional suspension of proceedings – in effect, no punishment. Simultaneously, Portugal has increased its investment in treatment and harm reduction services, for example methadone substitution treatment for people who are dependent on heroin.

‘The evidence from Portugal suggests that we could end the criminalisation of users of all types of drugs – and not just marijuana – without increasing drug use and harms. It also shows the importance of continued investment in treatment services and harm reduction to reduce drug-related deaths and HIV, he said.

The BJC study shows that since 2001, the following trends have been observed in Portugal:

• A modest increase in drug use reported by adults. This rise was no bigger than that reported in other southern European countries
• A reduction in drug use reported by school pupils
• A reduction in drug related deaths
• A reduction in HIV and AIDS
• An increase in the amount of drugs seized by the authorities

Contact: pressofficE@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 4:09pm 16 November 2010