Introduction
The global war on drugs was aimed at marginalized populations around the world to help them deal with drug addiction. The United States of America’s campaign to reduce drug abuse in the country had targeted disadvantaged groups and involved increased police control over them. Nevertheless, these actions have demonstrated inequality and perpetuated racial bias in the justice system.
Violence against people led to drug addicts finding more opportunities to use psychoactive substances, and it was challenging for them to stop. For some, this served as a distraction from the problems that existed in their lives and were exacerbated by the government. The impact of global anti-drug policies had become disastrous and disproportionate, and the world had decided to stop the war on drugs.
The campaign to minimize drug use among the population is a global one, targeting not only the use but also the distribution and trafficking of drugs, and is focused on these groups. The policy for the control of drug users pursued by the United States contributes to increased police control and disproportionate sentences for minorities. The War on Drugs has been going on for over 50 years and has led to massive incarceration of people of color in the country (America’s War on Drugs). Over those 50 years, little progress had been made, as the Government had violently tried to restrict addicts’ access to drugs. Thus, American policy has only perpetuated systemic inequality and exacerbated racial contradictions in the criminal justice system, something that is difficult to combat.
The origins of the drug war in the US predate discriminatory practices and policies. The campaign against this factor began in the 1970s and 1980s and focused on criminalizing drug use, which would be followed by severe punishment (Fordham). In this struggle, emphasis was placed on the punitive approach, which prevented the elimination of the true causes of drug abuse among the population. Thus, the expansion of US policy outside the country has had detrimental effects on vulnerable groups, so it is important to recognize existing policy gaps.
Reasons for Drug Use
The legal status of the possession of drugs can be an obstacle to combating drug abuse, as it creates even greater barriers that marginalize people. Criminalization of the possession of illegal substances negatively affects drug users, as people become even less controlled and willing to commit violations of the law (Moniruzzaman et al. 145). Enforcing strict control policies is the approach that lowers the standard of living of marginalized populations and their access to vital resources. This is because, in the context of the ban on all drugs, such people often begin to look for any way to get substances, forgetting other vital aspects of life.
Drug use can be a means for some to deal with stress, trauma, or mental health problems. The use of psychoactive substances can become the meaning of life for drug addicts and the only goal (Ivsins and Yake 29). This method serves as a temporary relaxation and will create a sense of community in a marginalized group. Moreover, some people feel free and able to control their lives in the face of government restrictions.
To understand the causes of drug use by marginalized people, it is necessary to recognize the existence of complex individual situations, social factors, and inequalities. The lower strata of the population may view drugs as the only means of survival to cope with social exclusion. Thus, it is only when they are under the influence of drugs that the difficult circumstances seem to the addicts to be overcome.
Global Drug Enforcement Impact
National and foreign drug policies provide a better understanding of the impact on marginalized populations. The impact of drug policies on marginalized populations is disproportionate, resulting in massive incarceration of these individuals (Patten 93). For example, racial stereotypes showed that black people were known to be treated more suspiciously by the police, which led to stricter monitoring.
The incarceration of nations in the global war on drugs, which is particularly relevant in the United States, has led to widespread discontent among the marginalized. The problem was particularly acute for members of national or ethnic minorities. This criminalization reflects the lack of equality in social policies and prevents the mobility of marginalized substance users.
The costs and consequences of drug interdiction in the US and other developed countries are mixed, as they have drawbacks. The global war caused significant costs for different countries in different areas of life, including reduced living standards, lack of communication with people, and constant monitoring by the police (Blackwell 682). Access to harm reduction services for such people is intrinsic, and such policies exacerbate existing societal inequalities.
Marginalized drug users are particularly vulnerable to life and are at increased risk of overdoses and other health effects. The War on Drugs had an impact on the rising rate of overdoses, since drug users often cannot control the dosage of illicit substances and consume whatever is available if illicit substances are extracted successfully (NSC). Social and economic factors prevent people from accessing doctors, exacerbating the impact of drug use on marginalized populations.
The End of the War on Drugs
Global drug control results have been meager, so these actions have not addressed the problem of abuse and dependence. In this context, recognizing the need for a more humane approach remains important. The United Nations has stated that the war on drugs must end because it has more devastating consequences for marginalized communities than benefits (OHCHR). Punitive policies against drug addicts, persistent harassment, and possible violence had not helped to reduce drug use, trafficking, and production. Instead, the struggle has exacerbated the effects of consumption and perpetuated human rights violations.
In New South Wales, Australia, a study has demonstrated the positive impact of a method that focuses on maintaining the health of drug users. Treatment with opioid agonists at the population level has a significant impact on mortality among those receiving the treatment (Chaillon et al. 1338). Treatment with these drugs has proven to be an effective strategy to combat drug use, reduce mortality, and improve the lives of marginalized populations who want to fight addiction.
Another problem in the fight against drugs was racial disparities in arrests, trials, and convictions. As a result of drug use, different people prosecuted were not equally affected by the law, and various factors were responsible. One of them is the issue of racial justice, which made ending the war on drugs mandatory (Earp et al. 17). Ending the struggle was an important step towards eliminating racism throughout the world and achieving social justice for every member of society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the global war on drugs is having devastating effects on marginalized communities. American policy, which has spread to other countries, has become a violation of human rights and a demonstration of unequal treatment of people. The right strategy to combat must focus on a sense of security for the underprivileged, not violence. Recognizing the need for a humane approach, the world community decided to treat patients with medicines, which proved to be a more effective way. Thus, wars were ended, racial prejudices were removed, and the approach became more inclusive towards people with addiction.
Works Cited
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