Drug Legalization in Australia - Coursework Example

Drug Legalization in Australia Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Drug Legalization in Australia Introduction The word “drug” commonly refers to a medicine or other substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or introduced into the body. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), drugs can be grouped into five main categories, which include the opiates, central nervous system depressants, Central nervous system stimulants, Hallucinogens, and Cannabis. Under each group are different drugs. Notably, there are no panaceas in the world, but legalizing drugs would help in doing more compared to any single policy or act in the elimination of many of socio-political afflictions that are currently being faced. Admittedly, the debate about the legalization of drugs such as cocaine, marijuana has been going on for many years. According to the proponents of legalization, it would help in reducing illegal use and increased the income for governments (Drug Enforcement Administration). The opponents of drug legalization, on the other hand note that the process of legalization will provide drug traffickers more opportunity of distributing illegal drugs to different regions in the world. Although there are different views about drug legalization, the following paper seeks to oppose the legalization of drugs by providing varied reasons. However, the paper will discuss different arguments for and against the legalization of drugs in the Australia context, as well as examining the nature and effectiveness of contemporary psychological approaches to prevention and treatment of harmful substance use (i.e., primary, secondary and tertiary intervention) in light of this debate. Overview of Drug Legalization Debate The debate over drug legalization is not a new debate although it has continued attracting more attention (Husak & De, 2015). In the whole of the twentieth century, the drug legalization debate has been off-again and on-again and is until sparking more controversies in different parts of the world including in Australia (Husak & De, 2015). However, at a global scale, the situation of drug use is remaining to be a bit stable for the last six years. According to statistics, the number of drug user-related deaths in 2015 amounted to 315,241, which has shown a five percent increased from the last year’s figure. The legalization of drugs refers to the removal of criminal penalties for the sale, manufacture, and possession of large quantities of recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin. Notably, most of the arguments that are presented in the debate of drug legalization are inherently utilitarian arguments (Husak & De, 2015). Admittedly, it is out of considerations favoring the prevention of harm done to the society, or supporting the promotion of happiness that proposals are made. In this case, having such considerations can typically be seen as utilitarian ones. Accordingly, those people who are in favor as well as those who are against legalization are using the utilitarian arguments in illustrating their different views. For example, those people who are for the legalization of drugs argues that by controlling through the application of laws, the stakeholders create happiness. However, those people who are against the legalization observe that the move is likely to bring more harm than happiness. According to this group of people the prohibiting, the use of drugs will lead to the increase of crime level in the society. At the same time, the suggestions in providing the possible solutions are as well full of utilitarianism. According to some experts, the ability to legally purchase drugs on prescription for example will lead to the decrease in the harm that is done to the society (Husak & De, 2015).. The quick overview of how utilitarianism has imbued this debate demonstrates that the key concern among the stakeholders is on finding a way of promoting happiness while at the same time reducing social harm (Great Britain, 2012). Notably, both side of the drug legalization debate are mostly influenced by the pros and cons of the legalization process versus the application of prohibition mechanisms. The debate consists of two ideals that oppose those in favour of the prohibition against those who are inspired by economic liberalization in the favour of legalizing drug use (Husak & De, 2015). Therefore, it must be emphasized that the debate on the legalization of drugs also involves measures of medicalization, harm reduction, and decriminalization. Arguments for Legalization of Drugs Over the years, it is clear that the stakeholders especially the policy makers have been addressing the wrong issue when it comes to the debate on drug legalization (Baird, 2015). Admittedly, policy makers have concentrated on the prohibition aspect as a way of solving the issue of drug problem. In this way, they are avoiding to address the social and economic factors that make people to abuse drugs. Notably, legal as well as illegal drugs use is mostly recreational.at the same time, poverty and despair are some of the main reasons that make some users in Australia indulge in this drug usage (Baird, 2015). Therefore, proponents of legalization observe that it would be critical to deal with the causative agents instead of trying to prohibit the use of drugs. The policy makers should therefore need to legalize drugs since it would be difficult stop people from using them if basic issues such as such as poverty are not solved. Further, the drugs legalization proponents also argue that it is likely going to reduce Australia’s unemployment rate (Boaz, 2014). By legalizing drugs, for example, more employment opportunities are likely to be created for different stakeholders such as distributors and farmers. In this way, majority of Australians will find it prudent to start drug related businesses, which means the creation of employment since such people will be supported by the passage of government policies (Baird, 2015). According to statistics, most of the Australian young people are engaging in illegal drug usage and trafficking due to increased reduction in the economic opportunities for millions of employable youths. Experts observe that by legalizing drugs, many entrepreneurs in the Australia will be shielded from harassment by the authorities. Therefore, by providing opportunities for many in Australia in starting legal drug related businesses, the government will be able to handle the poverty question. The supporters of drug legalization observe that controlling the industry through legalization of drugs would ensure that governments are able to get income through taxation. In many parts of the world including Australia, drug trafficking has been illegal (Husak & De, 2015). Therefore, drug traffickers are keen in avoiding authorities from different countries as has been observed here in Australia (Baird, 2015). At the same time, Australian government if denied millions of incomes through taxes through exportation and importation of drugs when it is done illegally across regions. Legalizing drugs however, will mean that many of these traffickers will come into limelight and register their business. Consequently, this will provide extra income to the government, which can be used in solving social problems in Australia. Further, legalization of drugs will play a critical role in eliminating the criminal market that has been there for many decades (Husak & De, 2015). Evidently, the market for drugs as is the case with any other type of businesses is demand-led, where millions of people across the globe ask for illegal drugs. Admittedly, when the supply and production of some drugs is made illegal, a vacuum is created into which organized crimes goes up. Study show that illegal drug markets fetch billions of dollars every year for the stakeholders. Notably, the profit used in protecting the illegal drug business including engagement in corrupt activities with Australian officials will no longer be there (Baird, 2015). Consequently, drugs legalization will help in starving such illegal income from the drug traffickers. Arguments against Legalization of Drugs Evidently, with the continued push for legal reform in terms of drug use and legalization, there would be as well increased push against such drugs. It must be agreed that such prohibitions being enacted need to be certainly armored with new justifications for keeping illicit drugs laws the same (Husak & De, 2015). Accordingly, this should be done by realizing that the same kind of propaganda from the 60's and 70's has proved to be ineffective based on the scientific research and studies. However, it must be underlined that most of the arguments presented against drugs reform have been the same closed-minded, cliché, and non-factual arguments, which have been here for decades. Admittedly, though most of the arguments are not strong enough to warrant professional reasoning, it would be prudent to consider them when stakeholders are debating the issued of drug legalization here in Australia. One of the major arguments against legalization of drugs is that it will lead to the increased use of drugs among Australian citizens, more so the youth. According to the opponents of legalization, the increased use of drugs will be seen among such groups in the societal even though the law will only be applicable to adults (Boaz, 2014). The opponents of drugs legalization points there concern on the idea that legal possession of drugs will no longer be a punishable offense since users of drugs will no longer be deterred by fear of punishment since they will already be legalized. In this way, the increased availability of drugs will lead to the increased opportunity for Australian citizens to continue or try to use drugs at an increased rate. At the same time, due to the public acceptance of drugs in Australia, more and more teenagers as well as adolescents will be trying different drugs without second thoughts of repercussion. For example, in commonly used statistics in relation to this argument is in the studies of marijuana usage rates in different states in the U.S, where marijuana was decriminalized from before the law was enacted to years later. For instance, in 1975, Ohio instituted decriminalization and marijuana usage rose to 33% from 27% from 1974 to 1978 among citizens aged 18yeras to 24years. During the same period, marijuana usage, among those aged 25 years to 34 years also rose to 19% from 6%. At the same time, in California, decriminalized of marijuana use was done in January 1976, which triggered the rise in adult marijuana use to 35% from 28%, from February 1975 to November 1976 (Boaz, 2014). Although this may be perceived as undeniable evidence, it is clear that legalization of drugs in Australia may as well have the same repercussions if proper measures are not taken in advance. Further, the opponents of drug legalization in Australia and other parts of the world propose the idea that this move will lead to the legalization other serous drugs after the “gateway” drugs are legalized. In this way, it is claimed that “marijuana” is viewed as one of the “gateway” dugs that will give way to the legalization and decriminalization of others such as cocaine and hero. In this regard, it is claimed that when one smokes marijuana, the chances of experimenting with other hard drugs is increase as the use continues. Notably, this is one of the common arguments against legalization of drugs and consequent decriminalization here in Australia but also in other parts of the world especially form the drug enforcement and government agencies. According to the Australia’s Drug Law Reform Party (DLRP), which has been advocating for the legalization of drugs in the country, this move will lead to the protection of illegal trade and increased revenue to the government. However, the opponents have accused the Drug Law Reform Party for providing the arguments that are not based on evidence, thus lacking proof for any positive outcome if applied. The opponents of legalization have as well argued that those supporting the process are not sure that it would lead to the reduction of the intractable problems that Australia has been facing for decades. According to this group, the proposal to legalize drugs may not help the country save money, let alone earning extra revenue and therefore it will never be supported by the Australian public. In this way, the proponents of drug legalization fail to recognize the urge that the drug users will have of trying other “harder” drugs in future (Boaz, 2014). In this way, those opposing the move are asking if the rest of the drugs will later be legalized after the usage levels have reached the point of creating alarm. Another argument made by those against the legalization process is that drug legalization will increase the use and availability thus leading to increased crime in the Australia society (Husak & De, 2015). notably, if the legalization process if effected and it became no longer illegal to possess drugs in the country, more citizens will then feel free to start producing as well as selling drugs in the country without fearing being caught by the authorities. The increase in drug trafficking and sales in Australia will consequently lead to the increase of gang violence as well as the introduction of black market and sales. At the same time, it is widely believed that with increased use of drugs as well as availability, more citizens will be introduced to other forms of crimes by the drug dealers and the other users. According to Dr Alex Wodak, who is one of the Australia’s drug law campaigners, legalization of drugs in the country will lead to the reduction in the price of drugs. However, in countering this argument, the opponents of drug law note that the reduction of price manes more people will be able to access the drugs thus increasing the rates of crime in the Australia’s cities. Finally, unlike the common argument by those supporting legalization of drugs in Australia that the government will increase its revenue, the opponents of this move argue that the tax revenue will be low instead. According to the Drug Law Reform Party in 2012, Australians spent $7 billion on illegal drugs and that a legal market would extract GST of $700 million that can be devoted to education (Husak & De, 2015). Notably, this assumption is true if all the illicit drugs, which include heroin, cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine, were made legal in Australia, and the price paid by consumers remains constant. However, according to researchers, the results of legalization of drugs will depend on a number of 'known unknowns', which include the retail price point that is partly dependent upon the level of tax imposed to the product, the acceptance of the product by the consumers, and if the black market for the product may lead to more attractive products . In this way, according to the opponents of legalization, it is clear that legalization drugs may not be the best option to convince the public since it is likely to stimulate consumption and make more citizens develop drug related problems. Nature and Effectiveness of Contemporary Psychological Approaches to Prevention and Treatment of Harmful Substance Use In the field of psychology there hare different ways of treating those who are addicted to drug use. The common and most effective methods include Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Systematic desensitization (Franzoi, 2011). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapy, which assists people in overcoming a number of mental health as well as disorders related to substance use. The process of CBT involves individuals working with counselors in identifying patterns of belief and thought which leads to unwanted behaviors including substance abuse. The victims are taken through counseling sessions in order to learn how to respond to the emotions and behaviors in more ways that are constructive (Franzoi, 2011). At the same time, CBT is divided into two categories, which include cognitive and behavioral therapy. Cognitive focuses on the thoughts and beliefs of a victim while behavioral therapy seeks to change an individual’s actions. The objective of cognitive therapy is to change one’s thinking and help him know how to cope with the addiction problem. The aim of behavioral therapy is to change the victim’s action by adapting new way of living. On the other hand, Systematic desensitization is an also a type of behavioral therapy that is used by psychologists in helping patients conquer phobias or other anxiety disorders (Franzoi, 2011). Systematic desensitization therapy treats patients by slowly exposing them to what they fear. The idea behind systematic desensitization therapy is that the more one is exposed to what he fears, the more able he becomes to tackle the cause of anxiety and find out how to deal with his feelings (Franzoi, 2011). The patients are first trained on how to handle their fares before being introduced to what they fear. In this way, one is baled to cope with the situation and be healed. In dealing with victims of drug addiction, psychologist can only make a victim to slowly withdraw from the drugs by gradually reducing the amount one takes in a given time. Conclusion In reference to the arguments by the opponents of legalization, it is clear that legalization drugs may not be the best option to convince the public since it is likely to stimulate consumption and make more citizens develop drug related problems. In relation to the above arguments against and for the legalization of drugs it is clear that more will be achieved when drugs are prohibited than when they are legalized in Australia. However, in order to curb this menace, governments and other stakeholders will have to solve the causes such as poverty and despair in the society. References Baird, V. (2015). Legalize drugs - all of them! (Cover Story). New Internationalist, (455), 12-17. Boaz, D. (2014). Drug Legalization, Criminalization, and Harm Reduction: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources. United States House of Representatives. Print. Drug Enforcement Administration (nd). Speaking Out Against Drug Legalization. Schaffer Library on Drug Policy. Franzoi, S. L. (2011). Psychology: A discovery experience. Australia: South-Western Cengage Learning. Great Britain. (2012). Drugs: Breaking the cycle: ninth report of session 2012-13. London: Stationery Office. Husak, D. N., & De, M. P. (2015). The legalization of drugs. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press. Read More