We don’t have good information about prevalence of use and harmful effects of many illicit drugs, including MDMA ( ecstasy ), hallucinogenic drugs, inhalants, or non-medical use of benzodiazepines such as “ Valium “ and anabolic steroids, so it’s hard to make judgements about their contribution to disease burden. It does seem that “ recreational use “ of prescription drugs is increasing. What is already beyond doubt, however, are the dangers – to health and society – especially of “ Class A “ ( UK ) drugs. Also, as pointed out out by our forum member waytogo297, who has years of experience as a psychiatric nurse, cannabis use does appear to be the biggest single cause of serious mental disorders in the UK.
We can only estimate social and economic costs of illegal drug markets – possibly now approaching 18 billion GBP annually in the UK. Smoking, alcohol excess, and obesity may EACH cost similar amounts ; at least the first two are significantly offset by tax revenues – but none are net contributors to the economy, and illegal drugs contribute nothing.
There is enormous variation in how countries apply laws against drug users, and to which substances. Drug users’ risk of arrest and consequences of arrest vary markedly – the death penalty has been abolished in the Philippines. Some countries have reputations for toughness ( successfully applied in Singapore but not Mexico ); others such as Portugal and Switzerland effectively treat drug taking as a health problem.
Globally, many fewer people use illicit drugs than those who eat and drink to excess, or smoke. The effectiveness of EITHER harsh punishment OR treatment as a health problem varies in different parts of the world. The costs of all four “ lifestyle choices “ are unsustainable.
The UK Government seems not to accept decriminalisation / legalisation any time soon. Professor David Nutt – former expert drugs advisor – was sacked in 2009 ( by former Health Secretary – and postman – Alan Johnson ) for his reforming views. Our Department of Health AND Home Office should oversee illicit drugs. As with the Philippines, sensible use of resources is vital – corruption not being such a problem in UK.
