Dissuasion, not criminalization

Interesting radio program on drug de-criminalization in Portugal. Basically, in Portugal, drugs are still illegal, but you won't go to jail if you're caught using them. Instead, you have to go down to the Dissuasion Commision* and chat with a psychologist, who can assign you any one of a range of "administrative penalties" ranging from fines to community service to mandatory drug treatment. Apparently the idea is that if you don't treat people as criminals, they're more likely to be willing to get help if they need it.

The program is unfortunately very light on hard data about whether this new regime has reduced drug use or harm associated with drug use in Portugal. It seems, at the very least, that it hasn't increased drug use. I would also like to know more about Portugal's treatment programs - I have the distinct impression that here in the United States we can't provide enough spaces in treatment programs for everyone who wants one, so if Portugal has figured out something smart in terms of setting up and funding treatment, I'd be very interested in hearing about that.

*I love that name.