The Vision adn the Reality

Introduced in 2001, Portugal’s drug policy decriminalized the possession of drugs for personal use, shifting the focus from criminal prosecution to treatment and harm reduction. This approach was initially lauded for its success in tackling widespread drug addiction. though, nearly a quarter-century later, visible drug use in major cities like Lisbon is on the rise, exposing cracks in the system.

A Glimpse into Lisbon’s Streets

In the Mouraria district, tourists unknowingly pass by the stark realities of open drug dealing and use. As one takes a picture of the colorful street, men call out nervously, Only take pictures of the street, but not of the people. nearby, individuals openly inject heroin at the entrance of a parking garage, a scene that underscores the growing visibility of drug-related issues.

The Impact on Local Communities

Bruno, a local resident, describes the neighborhood’s decline since the pandemic. When I came to live here for the Coronacrisis, it was a very lively and diverse neighborhood, he says. But as the pandemic he has seen it deteriorating. There are many more homeless, crime and also open drug use. He attributes this deterioration to rising housing costs, which lead to social problems and, in turn, fuel drug use.

The viewpoint of a Policy Architect

João Goulão, one of the founders of the Portuguese drug approach, acknowledges the increased visibility of drug users and social vulnerability in public spaces. Nowadays there is much more visibility of drug users and social vulnerability in public space, he says. While he notes that there is no evidence for a important increase in the number of drug users, he emphasizes that those who do that are very vulnerable. Goulão links this vulnerability to social issues such as lack of affordable housing and employment, and also challenges faced by the migrant population, who are very vulnerable and in certain specific cases poorly integrated into our society.

The Portuguese Drug Policy: A Summary

New Challenges, New Drugs

The rise of synthetic drugs, or “designer drugs,” presents another challenge to the existing policy, which was initially designed to address heroin use. Goulão stresses the need for increased funding to address these evolving issues, supporting both users and law enforcement in tackling drug trafficking.

A guiding Ideology

In Portugal we have a motto: we tackle the disease, not the patients.

João Goulão, founder drug policy

Goulão’s statement encapsulates the core philosophy of the Portuguese approach: treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.

The Need for Investment and Political Will

Addressing these challenges requires political prioritization and increased investment, particularly as Portugal navigates a period of political transition following the fall of the previous goverment and upcoming elections in May. simultaneously occurring, the problems in large cities are getting bigger.Between 2019 and 2023, for example, the number of people who died in Lisbon has doubled an overdose. In Mouraria,a neighborhood center recently closed a special room were people could use safely drugs. They couldn’t handle the crowds.

Hope for the Future

Despite the challenges, Goulão remains optimistic, believing that minor adjustments can improve the policy’s effectiveness. He firmly believes in the fundamental principles of the approach, emphasizing that People who are addicted suffer from a disease that deserves the same respect as other diseases and must be treated as such.