Beyond the Prohibition of Heroin: The Development of a Controlled Availability Policy in Australia (From Reduction of Drug-Related Harm, P 49-61, 1992, P.A. O'Hare, R. Newcombe, eds. et al., - see NCJ-138254)

• NCJ Number: 138256
• Author(s): A Wodak
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Routledge
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

In recent years, the issue of legalization of heroin has changed in Australia from one promoted by fringe groups to a campaign supported by respected and eminent members of the community.

Abstract

A major factor in this change is the potential link between drug policy and AIDS in light of the rapid transmission of HIV among intravenous drug users. The legalization and subsequent availability of heroin could reduce the rate of HIV transmission by prompting users to smoke or swallow drugs rather than inject them, facilitating the use of sterile equipment, increasing the proportion of drug users in treatment programs, diverting drug offenders into noncustodial alternatives, and educating intravenous drug users about HIV. The five drug policy options considered in Australia have included total prohibition, modified total prohibition, partial prohibition, user license, and legalization. This author argues that even if heroin consumption were to increase as a result of liberalized drug policies, the health, financial, and legal costs to the user and the community would probably fall as these costs are largely consequent on the very illegality of the drug. However, public concerns about the validity of drug policy alternatives and international considerations present significant obstacles to drug policy reform. 6 references