Meth Drug Treatment
U.S. Drug Policy – Treat or Punish?
I’m from Europe, and I have always had the perception that drug abusers tend to be punished rather than treated in the United States.
I was wondering, what would the immediate consequences be for, let’s say an 18 year old, who is caught with a joint on his person? Are we talking jail time, and then probation, or treatment, counseling, etc?
If that same person was caught with a very hard drug, like “crystal meth” (I don’t know what it is, just that it’s very strong), would the case be different?
In Sweden, you are usually not punished per se, but required to take urine tests for a while, see a counselor and show that you are staying away from drugs and criminality.
Also, and finally, which way do you think work the best? Throw an 18 year old in jail, or have him (or her!) treated?
Thanks for your input!
He’ll probably just get a fine for having only 1 joint. However, after multiple offenses, or large amounts of drugs, they get jail time and are forced to attend a rehabilitation program. Neither are effective.
