War on Drugs !

drug policy | harm reduction programs | books & articles | reports

Drug Policy

  • American Civil Liberties Union Civil liberties news and resources related to drug policy
  • Common Sense For Drug Policy Organization advocating for "common sense" rather than drug war approach, numerous links to harm reduction organizations and resources about various drugs
  • Drug Policy Foundation Independent, nonprofit organization favoring alternatives to the "drug war," including public health strategies
  • Drug Reform Coordination Network Drug reform organization seeking reasoned alternatives to current policies, including harm reduction, reform of sentencing laws, and consideration of legalization; also links to enormous drug policy library
  • Drug Peace Campaign Organization that encourages Internet-based activism to bring about change in current drug policies, includes updated news archive
  • Harm Reduction Coalition Fosters harm reduction solutions to drug problems, site includes Straight Dope Education Series
  • International Harm Reduction Association UK-based organization with message board, links, and chat room
  • Lindesmith Center The most comprehensive harm reduction site around, includes extensive library, research briefs, e-mail newsletter, news items, and searchable database
  • National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws Principal national organization advocating for legalization of marijuana; site includes information about marijuana and current legislation being considered at state and national level

Harm Reduction Programs

  • DanceSafe Organization devoted to harm reduction with club drugs, particularly Ecstasy
  • DrinkWise A drinking moderation program for those with mild to moderate alcohol problems
  • Guided Self-Change Clinic Clinic based on the idea that problem drinkers not dependent on alcohol can self-guide treatment and pursue moderation goals, based at Nova Southeastern University
  • Injecting Rooms Australian Drug Foundation report reviews the evidence for injecting rooms, which are facilities that offer health worker supervision in safe needle practices
  • Rock Medicine Mobile medical emergency facility that provides medical and counseling services for those attending large events like rock concerts
  • Safe Works Needle Exchange Harm reduction organization that promotes HIV prevention through safer injection practices
Books & Articles
  • Controversies in the Addictions Field Online book written by Ruth Engs: Analyzes major drug controversies from different perspectives, including minimum age laws, pregnancy and addiction, drug testing, and advertising
  • Drinking Dilemma U.S. News and World Report article suggests alternatives to abstinence in treating alcohol problems
  • DrugSense A "drug policy reading room" with essays critical of DARE, the drug war, and law enforcement approaches
  • Drug Policy Debate The Schaffer Library for Drug Policy, which opposes current "drug war" tactics, has compiled a list of debate manuals that have been formulated by "pro" and "con" organizations; includes the Drug Enforcement Administration debate manual
  • DrugText Extensive articles, books, and reports related to international drug policies and harm reduction
  • Drug Use as a Social Construct Online book written by Peter Cohen of the Centre for Drug Research, University of Amsterdam
  • Informing America's Policy on Illegal Drugs This 2001 book from the National Academy Press analyzes the drug war and its effect on treatment of drug users
  • Public Agenda: Illegal Drugs Set of articles laying out different perspectives on drug war debate
  • Schaffer Library of Drug Policy Extensive library on drugs and drug policy, takes an international perspective
  • Stanton Peele Addiction Web Site Website of controversial social psychologist who is critical of the disease model; numerous thought-provoking articles taking an experiential and environmental perspective to addiction
  • Thomas S. Szasz, M.D. Cybercenter for Liberty and Responsibility Site devoted to the writings of Dr. Szasz, who argues from a libertarian perspective that drug-taking is an issue of personal responsibility; site developed by Dr. Jeffrey Schaler

Reports

  • Center for AIDS Prevention Services: Needle Exchange Report Review of the latest findings in needle exchange programs
  • Drug Wars PBS Frontline series that examines the 30-year history of America's war on drugs. Reviews this $400 billion business from the perspectives of the "drug warriors" and buyers; includes transcripts, as well as a teacher guide
  • Global Drugs Trade This British Broadcasting Corporation special report details the multibillion dollar worldwide drug trade, estimating about 50 million drug users around the world; this site covers key aspects of production, trafficking, and use of drugs in different parts of the world