Spring 2011 Critical Thinking Research on US Drug Policy

Reflections on Drug Policy

McBride, D., Y. Terry-McElrath, H. Harwood, J. Inciardi, and C. Leukefeld. "REFLECTIONS ON DRUG POLICY. " Journal of Drug Issues 39.1 (2009): 71-88. Platinum Periodicals, ProQuest. Web. 20 Mar. 2011.

SUMMARY: The history of United States drug policy is complex, ranging from laissez-faire to strict prohibition. In recent years, there has been little federal interest in drug policy reform and a continuing focus on a prohibitionist deterrence approach. During this period, state initiatives have been in the forefront of drug policy experimentation via ballot initiatives, legislative actions, or judicial and administrative policy decisions. The resulting state-level drug policy landscape includes continued prohibition as well as harm reduction, medicalization, and decriminalization. In addition, there has been considerable state-level policy focus on substance abuse treatment quality. With a new presidential administration, there is some indication that drug policy reform may be a national issue as part of the federal health reform agenda

Bryan Newsom

War on Drugs Unsuccessful, Drug Czar Says

"War on Drugs Unsuccessful, Drug Czar Says - CBS News." Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. 13 May 2010. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. <http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/13/politics/main6480889.shtml>.

SUMMARY: The war on drugs isn't very effective and it is costing a ton of money. This article shows some of the numbers involved in this war on drugs.

Bryan Newsom

AN ANALYTIC ASSESSMENT OF U.S. DRUG POLICY

Boyam, David, and Peter Reuter. "AN ANALYTIC ASSESSMENT OF U.S. DRUG POLICY." 26 Mar. 2005. Web. <http://www.ahrn.net/library_upload/uploadfile/file2216.pdf>.

SUMMARY: This article provides some ideas of what could be done to help the failing war on drugs.