Criminologist calls for drug policy change: 'Users must be treated, not punished.' What government statistics hide

A Romanian criminologist is urging a fundamental change in the country's drug policy, arguing that drug users should be treated as patients rather than criminals. This call comes amid concerning government statistics that reveal a rise in illicit drug consumption among women, while use among men has declined.

According to a recent government report, approximately 18.5% of young people, or nearly one in five, have admitted to using illegal drugs at least once. The criminologist suggests that current policies, which focus on punishment, are ineffective and fail to address the underlying issues of addiction. The proposed shift towards a public health approach emphasizes rehabilitation and support services for users.

This perspective challenges the traditional punitive measures, suggesting that a focus on treatment could lead to better outcomes for both individuals and society. The criminologist believes that by treating addiction as a health issue, Romania can reduce drug-related harm and improve the lives of those affected.

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