“Help Me, I’m SICK!”

31/03/2014

Opinion and testimony, by Pierre Bremond. "Drug addiction is a brain disease". Such bold statement is made by those who support the "disease model". According to it, addiction is characterized by altered brain structure and functioning.  These brain abnormalities cause persons with this disease to be predisposed toward addiction, moreover, in certain individuals, each incidence of substance abuse chemically alters the brain causing them to become more dependent upon the substance and progressively installing the disease. So, what solution do they have left? Well… None. Because drug and alcohol addiction is defined as a "unique, irreversible and progressive disease that cannot be cured."

Deterring the Rise of “New Psychoactive Substances”

27/03/2014

"While new harmful substances have been emerging with unfailing regularity on the drug scene, the international drug control system is floundering, for the first time, under the speed and creativity of the phenomenon known as new psychoactive substances (NPS). The number of NPS reported by Member States to UNODC rose from 166 at the end of 2009 to 251 by mid-2012, an increase of more than 50 per cent. For the first time, the number of NPS actually exceeded the total number of substances under international control (234)." UNODC World Drug Report 2013

“Improving People’s Quality of Life”

25/03/2014

Opinion, by Myriam Gómez García – The debate on the legalization of drugs, and its possible application extends beyond the field of criminal justice. When we talk about legalizing drugs – we primarily refer to a market driven, state-run marketing and production system. However, it is much likely that legalizing or regulating substances of abuse will have a direct impact on consumption levels while affecting support relationships and addiction treatment. In my opinion, it is from this prospect that organizations and professionals alike should (and must) contribute to the debate. 

Long-Term Addiction Treatment: Past, Present & Future of the Therapeutic Communities

21/03/2014

The 80's have seen an explosion of the number of residential resources to treat substance abusers after the heroin epidemic had spread, triggering a social emergency situation. In 1986, the Spanish association of therapeutic communities was created to promote a professional community model. Since then, such treatment facilities have evolved over the years to become a state-of-the-art quality model, grounded on intensive and comprehensive care, tailored to each person's needs and expectations. 

Rural Women in Nicaragua

26/02/2014

In Nicaragua, rural women and girls face persistent structural constraints that prevent them from fully enjoying their human rights. Nevertheless, these women play a crucial role in supporting their families and communities, generating income and improving livelihoods and overall well-being.

Rafael Guerrero, director of the Dianova Nicaragua Foundation, takes stock of these difficulties before detailing, in another article, the solutions implemented by Dianova for and with these women. 

Truths & Lies About Marijuana

20/02/2014

Marijuana is not a newly-arrived substance, however its rapid growth and its trivialization among youth have brought this issue at the heart of the debates on whether or not modifying the laws that regulate marijuana use, transportation and cultivation – with poor effectiveness. In this context, it seems we should all be able to count on a clear understanding of this substance and its related effects. In this regard, conflicting messages seem however to be the rule rather than the exception.

Latest Debates on the Legal Status of Drugs

18/02/2014

The legislative changes occurred in recent years on the status of currently illegal drugs have shaped a situation those persisting in using worthless, outdated arguments (control vs. responsibility for some, freedom vs. efficiency for the others) seldom acknowledge. 

By Domingo Comas Arnau

The Changing Face of Marijuana and Marijuana Policy (3/3)

14/02/2014

Conclusion of the article by Dr. Kevin Sabet

Legalization is about much more than “live and let live” and not jailing marijuana users. Regardless of the law on the books, most jurisdictions in the US and Europe have already made it practice not to imprison marijuana users.

The Changing Face of Marijuana and Marijuana Policy (2/3

13/02/2014

Continuation of article by Dr. Kevin Sabet (2/3)

Washington and Colorado are on the brink of opening their first retail marijuana stores. Uruguay is also following a model of state-based marijuana selling. What exactly will happen now is anyone’s guess, but we can make some educated projections based on what is already beginning…

The Changing Face of Marijuana and Marijuana Policy (1/3)

12/02/2014

In a long, well-documented paper,  Dr. Kevin Sabet looks back at the history of marijuna legalization and challenges a fledgling, profit-hungry industry ready to take advantage of the new green (gold) rush. Dr Sabet details the consequences that can be drawn from marijuana legalization while deploring the abuses of medical marijuana. This article will be published in three different parts, starting from today until Friday, February 14.