Decriminalization in Portugal

For this DQ you will need to first read, Decriminalization in Portugal: Setting the Record Straight and watch the
video, "Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong. "Both of these can be found in Module 8C .
The video discusses looking at addiction as a social problem as opposed to a chemical dependency/mental
disease.Also, around the 1 0 minute mark, the speaker discusses how Portugal decriminalized drug use and
some of the results.The article, Decriminalization in Portugal: Setting the Record Straight, discusses some of
the successes that have been found after Portugal decriminalized drug use.
PART I
After reading the article and watching the video, please respond to the following questions.
The video discussed many interesting points/findings, what did you find most interesting? Why?
In the video, the speaker discussed addiction being more a social issue as opposed to a chemical issue. What
do you think of his findings? Do you agree/disagree/see both sides? Why?
The article briefly explains how and why Portugal decriminalized drug use and how it had positive results, did
these results surprise you? Which results surprised you the most (drug use, health, crime, homicide, death,
etc.)? Why?
Do you think decriminalization of drugs could/would work in the US? Why or why not?