Portuguese Decriminalisation Policy and the Role of the CDT Lisbon Addictions
The Portuguese decriminalisation policy focuses on shifting the approach towards drug addiction by banning criminality associated with drug consumption. This policy integrates prevention, dissuasion, treatment, harm reduction, and reintegration strategies within a holistic framework. The legal framework and dissuasion practices emphasize respect for human dignity, innovation, and multidisciplinary interventions aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles and behavior changes among drug users.
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Decriminalisation Policy and the role of the CDT Lisbon Addictions 2017 Am rico Gegaloto Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction
Declaration of interests - I am President of the Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction of Set bal since 2001 - I work for SICAD Portuguese Directorate for Intervention on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies
1999 Portuguese Drug Strategy The strategy works as interrelated interventions: - Prevention - Dissuasion (new - Decriminalisation) - Treatment - Harm reduction - Reintegration Portuguese National Strategy created: - New approach, it is better to treat than to punish - New structures and new answers - New holistic approach to the individual
Portugal Decriminalisation It aims to ban the consumption of illicit substances from the criminal field, which can either lead to non-sanction or to the imposition of an administrative sanction. Drug possession in Portugal is prohibited and considered an administrative offence, in line with the UN conventions rules.
Portuguese Legal Framework Law n. 30/2000 of 29 November Defines the legal framework applicable to the consumption of narcotics and psychotropic substances, together with the medical and social welfare of the consumers of such substances without medical prescription. Decree-Law n. 130-A/2001 of 23 April Establishes the organization, process and operating system of the Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction.
Dissuasion is a normative response based on values such as: - the humanist principle of respect for human dignity - innovation - pragmatism - multidisciplinary intervention and networking with local structures Its main objective is to offers the possibility of users to have an healthier lifestyle and changing their behavior The mission is to dissuade the use of drugs
Dissuasion aims to: - Discourage and making consumers aware of the harmful consequences - Create conditions for the individual to carry out the change - Confronting individuals with devaluing of their behavior - Commissions for the Dissuasion are light and multidisciplinary structures, guided by the principle of proximity
Global and Integrated Intervention Dissuasion is a global and integrated intervention, where the Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction (CDT) guarantee the application of Law no. 30/2000 The Commissions are responsible for implementing the Law n. 30/2000, an important component of the intervention model, with: - prevention and promotion of healthier lifestyle - early detection of risk, consumption and public health situations - articulation with local responses
Commission as referral platform": - Evaluate the relationship that the consumer establishes with drugs - Flag and forward to appropriate responses (health facilities) - Flag individuals with problematic situations of social integration or others In conclusion, the Commission try to bring consumers closer to the health and social services, with special emphasis on prevention, treatment, harm reduction and social reintegration, in order to obtain health gains
Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction Composition: - Members (3 members / 2 make quorum) - Legal Expert/Health Professional/Social Worker -Multidisciplinary Team - Technical team Clinical Psychologists/Social Worker/Lawyer There are: -18 Commissions, one in each district of continental Portugal - 4 Commissions, in the independent regions of Madeira and Azores
HOW IT WORKS - Identifies the consumer Other elements: Security forces make the police report - Circumstances of time and place - Type and quantity of illicit drugs - Send the report to the Commission Hearing in the Commission - Notifies the consumer for hearing - Evaluation interview - Motivational intervention - Opportunity to advise and to guide Technical team Members - Confirm the identification - Explain the process and consequences - Accountability for future behaviors - Ask questions about the report - Inform, recommends and guide Establishing a relationship of trust Decision Show depreciation due to behavior
Decision On first appearance On second appearance Addicted consumer Treatment Addicted consumer Non-addicted consumer Non-addicted consumer Provisional suspension of proceedings File the proceedings - Refuses treatment Sanctions or (measures/penalties) - Interrupts treatment
Sanctions (measures/penalties) Does not comply Complies - Fine (never to an addicted consumer) - Prohibition to exercise a profession or licensed activity - Prohibition of the frequency of certain places - Prohibition to accompany, house or receive People - Prohibition to travel abroad - Periodic presentation in a designated local (health and social services) - Seizure of objects - Deprivation of subsidy management Process follows for execution File the proceedings
Conclusions: - Decriminalisation did not led to an increase of drug use - Decrease of recent users among general population - Increase of treatment demand, also among cannabis users - Decrease of problematic users - Reduction of drug related deaths and infectious diseases - Decrease of social stigma over drug users
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION AM RICO GEGALOTO LISBON ADDICTIONS 2017
