Persuasive - Research Paper Example

Harm reduction and drug policy reform Harm reduction and drug policy reform Harm reduction is a comprehensive and realistic publichealth approach that has averted drug related harm and other public health matters all over the world. Harm reduction refers to laws, programs and policies planned to reduce the harm linked to the use of psychoactive substances such as illicit drugs. A restrictive and stringent drug law is a deterrent to drug use and assists reduce drug associated costs and societal problems.

The basic principle of harm reduction is that there will never be a drug free society but the only way to address harms associated with drug use is via a lens of public health applying accurate, drug based education to the society and efficient drug treatment for problematic appliance. Harm reduction policies centers and focus on personal choices and safe habits for drug use (Klebber, 1994). Harm reduction policies have proved to be a better and viable approach in dealing with drug related problems in society since its main approached to dealing with the issue involves using individuals and community without necessary reducing or stopping drug use but educating the public on the harms associated with drug use.

Participation, Transparency and accountability Decision makers and practitioners are accountable for their decisions and intervention measures. Principles of harm reduction encourage consultation, debate and dialogue which gives room to wide range of stakeholders to be engaged in policy development, delivery, evaluation and program implementation. During this process, people who use drugs and the entire community are involved in making decisions that affect them. Harm reduction is very essential in fighting drug use in that it uses a humane approach to assist people change risky behaviors.

It is humane since you have to meet people in their own terms rather than confronting them on yours by encouraging them to give up on risky behaviors. Harm reduction is a realistic approach because it advocates for responsible use of currently illegal drugs (Nadelman, 1994). Restrictive policies Harm reduction practitioners advocate for the importance of nay positive change that drug users and affected communities make in their lives. More so, harm reductions intervention measures are more facilitative rather than forceful and based on the needs of the individual.

As such, harm reduction policies are made to meet people’s demands. Some public laws or policies aims at reducing the harms linked to the use of tobacco and alcohol involve tightening restrictions imposed on intoxicated drinking and smoking restrictions. In addition, harm reduction policies have incorporated the idea of softening the restrictions on the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and Marijuana (Heather, 1993). Harm reduction focus much on removing criminal penalties imposed on drug offenses, offering addicts’ maintenance programs, softening sentencing guidelines and encouraging needle exchange programs for intravenous drug users.

At the end, the results are positive since most people are able to figure out the importance of abstaining from using illicit drugs that have adverse effects on their health. Non-medicinal use of drugs Harm reduction laws attempts to address the negative consequences of non-medicinal use of drugs without reducing or eliminating the use of illegal drugs. The law is found on the assumption that most of harm presented or caused by non-medicinal use of drug is the result of the societal efforts to end or stop drug use as opposed to the result of drug use itself.

Those harms are perceived to be caused by arrests from and legal results of immoral or illegal behavior and with incarceration. Furthermore, it is important to note that drug policy aims to curb drug use and the harms associated with the use of drugs by using legal systems such as courts and other methods to like work-place drug testing and treatment to reduce or eliminate non-medicinal drug use. In contrast to the proponents of harm reduction or legalization, those who oppose these policies argue that most drug-related harm is as a result of drug use and not just by prohibiting drugs in society.

Opponents of harm reduction They argue that legalization or harm reduction is cruel since it creates more addicts and crime in society. This is based on the fact that it is difficult to fight drugs from societal perspectives to neighborhood that already suffer most (Larimer et al, 2011). More so, harm reduction does not talk about abstinence while staying clean and sober. It does not take abstinence as a condition for treatment.ReferencesDenning, P. (2003). Over the Influence: The harm reduction guide for managing drugs and alcohol.

New York: Guilford Press. Heather, N. (1993). Psychoactive Drugs and Harm Reduction: From Faith to Science. London: Whurr.Kleber, H. D.(1994). Our current approach to drug abuse-progress, problems, proposals. N Engl J Med, 330-361-5. Larimer, M.E & Marlatt, A. (2011). Harm Reduction, Second Edition: Pragmatic Strategies for Managing High-Risk Behaviors. New York: Guilford Press.Nadelman, E. (1994). Position paper on harm reduction: The Harm Reduction Approach to Drug Control, International Progress.

New York: The Lindesmith Center.