Introduction
In the United States, the “War on Drugs” has been a major governmental undertaking with far-reaching effects on people and society. This paper will cover its history, the idea of “racial capitalism,” Purdue Pharmaceuticals’ part in the opioid problem, unfavorable effects, evidence-based remedies, and individual thoughts on Modules 6 and 7.
The War on Drugs began in response to social and political changes during the 1970s. The Nixon administration enacted severe punitive measures and declared drug abuse to be the nation’s top public enemy in an effort to combat drug use. Policies that strengthened specific individuals and companies at the expense of weaker communities were shaped by racialized narratives. The way that racism and capitalism are linked to exploiting racial inequalities for financial gain is known as “racial capitalism” (Murch, 2019). Michelle Alexander highlights fundamental racial disparities and portrays the War on Drugs as an instrument of racial capitalism in her speech. Due to its aggressive marketing of opioids, Purdue Pharmaceuticals is a shining example of how Big Pharma contributes to the rise in addiction for financial benefit.
The unintended repercussions of the war on drugs include mass incarceration, racial inequities in drug enforcement, and the erosion of fundamental liberties. More people of color have been arrested and given harsher sentences for drug crimes as a result of the war on drugs (Bartilow, 2019). Overemphasis on drug enforcement has also added to prison overcrowding and taken money away from treatment and prevention programs. Kalief Browder, who spent three years in jail without being convicted, is a tragic example of the damage that can come from overzealous drug enforcement (Bartilow, 2019). Also, the war on drugs has granted police enforcement broad new powers to conduct warrantless searches, seizures, and surveillance of citizens.
Research has shown that harm reduction is one approach to treating drug addiction. In an attempt to mitigate the harmful effects of drug use, these strategies put public health and safety ahead of punishment (Murch, 2019). Strategies for reducing harm, funding programs for treatment and recovery, and addressing the socioeconomic issues that contribute to addiction are examples of evidence-based remedies. Numerous research studies have validated Portugal’s decriminalization policy, which prioritizes treatment over punishment and has had favorable consequences (Bartilow, 2019).
Criminal law challenged my thinking in Unit 6 by demonstrating how social, economic, and political factors impact legislation and the criminal justice system. It demonstrated to me that institutional and structural factors, rather than individual choices, shape criminal justice. This helped me see crime as a social problem rather than a criminal one. Unit 7 exposed the flaws and dangers of the drug war, calling my worldview into question. It caused me to question punitive techniques and look into public health and damage reduction strategies. This unit aided my development by fostering critical thinking and a more thorough, evidence-based drug policy.
Conclusion
There have been adverse effects from the War on Drugs, which has been motivated by racial capitalism. It is necessary to comprehend the drawbacks before looking into evidence-based alternatives that put rehabilitation ahead of jail. My viewpoint has been widened, and my ability to recognize systemic problems and the need for creative solutions to drug laws and criminal justice systems has improved thanks to modules six and seven.
References
Bartilow, H. A. (2019). Drug war pathologies: embedded corporatism and US drug enforcement in the Americas. UNC Press Books.
Donna, M. (2019). How Race Made the Opioid Crisis. Murch, Racist Logic, pp. 7–21.
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