In Support of the Decriminalization of Personal Drug and Paraphernalia Use and Possession: Position Statement of AMERSA, Inc (Association for Multidisciplinary Education, Research, Substance Use and Addiction)

Document Type

Editorial

Publication Date

8-31-2024

Institution/Department

Center for Interdisciplinary Population & Health Research

Journal Title

Substance use & addiction journal

Abstract

More than 25% of all arrests made nationwide are related to drug offenses, affecting almost 1.2 million people and their social networks. Furthermore, roughly 20% of people in jails and prisons across the United States are incarcerated for a drug offense and millions more are under community supervision for these charges. This criminalization of drug use has negatively affected the health and well-being of people who use drugs (PWUD) and their communities. Decriminalization-a process of removing criminal sanctions for a previously criminalized behavior-of drug use is central to harm reduction as it mitigates these negative consequences of drug use and supports the health of PWUD. As such, AMERSA supports the decriminalization of drug and paraphernalia possession for personal use for all currently illicit drugs and all associated equipment. AMERSA continues to strongly advocate for the funding of harm reduction strategies and addiction services to improve the health and well-being of PWUD since decriminalization without complementary funding for harm reduction services, addiction treatment services, and social safety nets will be incomplete.

First Page

29767342241277619

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