Criminalisation of drugs causes harm
Strategies for addressing drug use have mainly focused on criminalisation. But, this approach has many negative effects for individuals and communities.
Criminalisation is where some form of punishment is put in place to try to deter people from using drugs.
The types of measures vary globally, with some countries implementing the death penalty for drug trafficking or use.10
Despite record seizures, arrests and spending on law enforcement in Australia, use of illegal drugs continues.11
In Australia in 2019, an increase in recent use was reported for several drugs, including:
And internationally, 296 million people used drugs in 2021 – a 23% increase over the previous ten years.13
Impact of a criminal record
Contact with the criminal justice system, or having a criminal record for drug possession, can lead to other harms. These include:
- barriers to getting a job, impacting financial stability
- barriers to accessing housing and treatment
- overall negative impacts on relationships, health and wellbeing.14, 15
Young people with a criminal record also face higher rates of poverty and drug use issues. This then increases the likelihood of future contact with the justice system, creating a cycle.16
Other harms
The criminalisation of drugs disproportionally impacts:
- lower socio-economic people
- non-white communities
- First Nations peoples.14, 15
Criminalisation also comes with a hefty public sector price tag. In Australia, law enforcement costs related to cannabis came to $2.4 billion in 2015-16.17 By removing penalties, through decriminalisation, police resources can be freed up to pursue other criminal activity.
Stigma
The illegal status of drugs also leads to stigma towards people who use drugs.15
Stigma is where a person or group of people are seen as ‘other’, and involves the judgement, labelling, and stereotyping of difference.
The World Health Organization has ranked illicit drug dependence as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence listed at number four.18
In 2014, Australians said they were generally more comfortable around people experiencing alcohol dependence than a person experiencing heroin dependence.19
Stigma often leads to:
- people avoiding treatment, support or other services
- feelings of shame, anger, rejection, worthlessness and hopelessness
- worse overall wellbeing.15, 20
A health-based approach to alcohol and other drugs can help address this stigma.
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