Demand Reduction aims to reduce illegal drug use through education and tailored treatment for at-risk populations. It includes rehab programs, addressing risk in communities, and cultural reasons for drug use. Supply reduction aims to stop drug trafficking, while harm reduction addresses the consequences of drug abuse. All UN member countries recognize the need for balanced supply-demand with supply-reduction goals.
Demand Reduction aims to reduce the use of illegal drugs through education and tailored treatment for at-risk populations and the general public. It is one of three strategies for addressing the social, economic and health consequences of illicit drug trafficking. The other two components of the policy include supply reduction and harm reduction.
Educational programs in schools that warn of the dangers of drug use commonly form part of demand reduction policies. Law enforcement agencies may engage with school and community organizations to provide information about illegal substances and trends in illegal drug use. Police officers could also act as advisors to people working in drug prevention programs or treatment centers, keeping them abreast of emerging drugs entering the illicit market.
Rehabilitation and detoxification programs are another component of demand reduction tactics. Detoxification programs allow addicts to relieve withdrawal symptoms to help kick them off drugs. Giving methadone to heroin addicts at specialized clinics describes one form of this demand reduction strategy. Residential rehabilitation centers are another method of reducing demand.
The premise also includes addressing risk in communities where drug use is high. This could include providing job opportunities in areas with high unemployment. Recognition of the cultural or social reasons of people who use drugs is another aspect of demand reduction commonly studied and addressed.
Supply reduction aims to stem the flow of drugs by stopping drug trafficking. Intelligence is used to disrupt the circulation of drugs transported by air, sea or land and to jail those who profit from the sale of illegal substances. Some regions make it illegal to buy the chemicals to make certain drugs as part of their supply reduction policies.
Harm reduction is employed in some areas to address the consequences of drug abuse. Programs that deliver clean needles to drug addicts intravenously include a way to keep the addict healthy until they seek a long-term solution. Harm reduction policies are often called the humane approach to drug addiction.
Many countries have recognized the need to include demand reduction in efforts to address drug abuse. All countries that are members of the United Nations have adopted a policy of increasing national, regional, and international efforts to balance supply-demand with supply-reduction goals. The declaration between nations recognizes the need to invest in education, social, health and political policies that reduce the number of people using illegal drugs.
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