This paper takes the reader on an evidence base journey into perspectives on drug policy interpretation and application that transcends the, often myopic, policy 'silo' perspectives.
The misuse and/or reinterpretation of evidence, including reworking nomenclature, has seen a growing emphasis on drug use in a victim only light. Certainly, once the tyranny of addiction has taken hold, and agency and capacity diminished (not eradicated) such emphasis has some merit.
However, the vastly overwhelming number of those up taking drug use are not in that category and many other cultural, psycho-social and anthropological factors are the drivers behind drug uptake, not least curiosity and hedonism. This behavioural choice is not the action of a ‘victim’ rather something completely different. This paper looks at the drug issue on health, justice and cultural contexts whilst endeavouring to rise above the policy emphasis silos that so often drive narratives and the policy decisions emerging from them.
Abridged version also peer reviewed and published in The Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice and published in their Journal release (VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2- Spring 2017)
