Social Policy: Illicit Drug Use in Canada and Worldwide Essay Example

The text then explains the different views sociologists have on the problem. The Functionalist Theory suggests that the loss of societal direction and ineffective social control contribute to addiction. It also believes that the illicit drug problem establishes boundaries of behavior and fosters social agreement and cohesion.

• Conflict Theories: This theory challenges the functionalist perspective by examining who benefits from drug addiction labels and why certain individuals are labeled as addicts while others are not (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). It suggests that state institutions such as prisons, police, and rehabilitation programs benefit from these labels due to their employment of people (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). Additionally, it explores the different ways in which individuals addicted to tobacco or alcohol are labeled differently compared to those addicted to illicit drugs (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005).
• Feminist Theory: Similar to other theories, there are various perspectives within feminist theory regarding illicit drugs (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). Some scholars argue that women's addiction is a result of their subordinate status and powerlessness, leading them to choose self-destructive behaviors as an escape (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). Another approach suggests that societal gender stereotypes limit both men and women from fully expressing their humanity, and addiction becomes a metaphor for these gender roles and behaviors in our society (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005).

The Interactionist Theory examines the continuous actions of a drug addict and emphasizes how their identification as an addict impacts their sense of self. This theory incorporates Goffman's Dramaturgical approach, which suggests that individuals play different roles depending on the situation. For example, a drug addict may seek help when interacting with a police officer but prioritize drugs when with addicted friends.

Vancouver took a social rather than criminal perspective on their drug problem. The mayor formed a committee that devised the Four-Pillar Approach, consisting of four strategies: enforcement, harm reduction, treatment, and prevention.

Here is a brief description of each:
Enforcement: The aim was to establish a drug pilot treatment court, redirecting drug users to treatment instead of jail (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). They also sought to increase police crackdown on organized drug crime dealers in order to stem the drug flow (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). Additionally, a drug action team was created for each neighborhood to address specific drug issues in each part of the city (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005).
Harm Reduction: This pillar involved the creation of an overdose death prevention campaign to reduce drug-related fatalities (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). They also aimed to provide short-term shelter and housing for drug users, helping them get off the streets (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005).

Another strategy for reducing harm was the implementation of street drug testing programs in order to provide healthcare services to individuals affected by HIV or hepatitis C (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). This initiative also involved the establishment of treatment beds for young people residing outside the eastside of town, aiming to relocate them away from this area (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). Furthermore, it was recognized that specialized treatment was essential for women, including pregnant women and those with children (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). To address the issue comprehensively, efforts were made to introduce needle exchange programs and provide outpatient and peer support counseling services (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005).

The four-pillar approach, which was created four years ago, aimed to address various aspects of substance abuse.

One of these pillars was the provision of housing support (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005). Another pillar focused on prevention, emphasizing the understanding of substance abuse and its negative consequences on health and legality. To encourage healthy choices, the approach included initiatives such as affordable housing, employment training, job opportunities, recreational activities, and long-term economic development (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005).

A recent report titled "Four Years, Four Pillars Where To Now?" assessed the progress made in each pillar. Some achievements highlighted in the report included implementing education programs in schools, launching a media campaign, establishing safe site injection sites, and completing seven housing projects (Four Years, Four Pillars Where To Now? 2005). However, certain goals were not yet accomplished, such as creating a health program within the city government and establishing a long-term treatment center for youths (Four Years, Four Pillars Where To Now? 2005).

Despite these challenges, the proponents of the four-pillar approach believe they are heading in the right direction. Nonetheless, further investment of both money and time will be necessary (Four Years, Four Pillars Where To Now? 2005). Other cities are also taking an interest in this innovative program, recognizing that illicit drug issues go beyond being purely criminal matters (Schaefer, Floyd, Haaland 2005).

My conviction that illicit drugs should be treated as a health issue rather than being solved by imprisonment has been further reinforced after reading all this material. However, I believe that legalizing marijuana will not effectively address the drug problem; it will simply shift the focus to another drug, such as meth, becoming the primary concern. From my perspective, we need to confront this issue by allocating more funding towards education and

providing better support systems to prevent individuals from getting trapped in this vicious cycle. Ultimately, drug use is a global issue that exists within our own communities and cannot be disregarded.

References

1. Canada, Vancouver. Four Pillars Drug Strategy. 2005. Four Years, Four Pillars Where To Now. Vancouver, BC: City Of Vancouver.
2. Personal interview Rolf Schmidt, March 1st, 2005.
3. Schaefer, Richard, Richard Floyd, Bonnie Haaland. 2005.

Sociology A Brief Introduction Toronto, Ont: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

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