The Portugal drug policy failure has become increasingly apparent, with the country’s much-lauded decriminalisation efforts now facing serious scrutiny. Promoted as a progressive approach to tackling drug issues, Portugal’s model decriminalised the use of all illicit substances, including heroin, cocaine, cannabis, and ecstasy, while redirecting users to dissuasion committees instead of enforcing criminal penalties. However, an analysis of the results reveals significant shortcomings in achieving the intended outcomes.

Exposing Portugal Decriminalisation Shortcomings

One of the central goals of Portugal’s drug policy was to decrease drug use across the population. However, studies now indicate substantial increases in drug usage instead. By 2016, overall drug use soared by 59%, with teenage usage seeing troubling spikes of up to 80% above pre-decriminalisation levels. Waste-water analyses further support claims that drug consumption in Portugal ranks among the highest in Europe.

Inflated Narratives Around Public Health

Another false narrative associated with Portugal’s drug policy was its supposed role in reducing HIV infections and heroin use. Portugal did previously lead Western Europe in HIV rates, but figures show significant decreases were already underway before drug decriminalisation took effect in 2001. Similarly, the country’s heroin epidemic had been declining prior to policy changes, only to resurge after implementation, bringing rates back to pre-decriminalisation levels.

Misleading Drug Death Comparisons

Claims suggesting Portugal has lower drug-related death rates than Europe have also come under criticism. This disparity appears linked to the way Portugal underreports drug deaths, excluding many cases other European countries count in official mortality tables. When adjusted for these omissions, Portugal reportedly ranks among the top three for drug-related deaths in Europe, revealing a sobering reality masked by selective reporting.

Advocating Against Widespread Decriminalisation

While some international groups continue to champion Portugal’s policy as a success, its shortcomings raise serious doubts. The inevitable rise in drug use and related consequences challenges its viability as a model for other nations. Australia, for example, has seen first-hand the devastating effects of prioritising harm reduction, underscoring the need for policies focused on prevention and recovery rather than permissive decriminalisation.

Standing Against Drug Liberalisation Lobbyists

Public sentiment in Australia remains overwhelmingly against normalising drug use. Surveys show that fewer than 1% approve of substances like heroin and ice, with only 4% supporting ecstasy use. The Portugal drug policy failure highlights the potential consequences of such approaches, yet a well-funded lobby continues to push policies like decriminalisation and legalisation, prioritising ideology over the will of the majority. Governments must weigh whether to cater to such minority interests or uphold values that protect public health and safety.

Source: Drug Free Australia