Laws and policies on illicit drugs in Brazil and the perspective of drug users' family members and acquaintances: a study in the City of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

Authors

  • Carla Aparecida Arena Ventura OMS; Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Enfermagem
  • Bruna Brands University of Toronto; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Health Canada and Public Health and Regulatory Policies
  • Edward Adlaf University of Toronto; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Health Systems Research and Consulting Unit
  • Norman Giesbrecht University of Toronto; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Health Systems Research and Consulting Unit
  • Laura Simich University of Toronto; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Health Systems Research and Consulting Unit
  • Maria da Gloria Miotto Wright Organization of American States; Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission
  • Paulo Sérgio Ferreira OMS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692009000700009

Keywords:

illicit drugs, legislation, public policies, human rights

Abstract

Brazilian drugs legislation has evolved from a prohibitionist system to a less repressive one in terms of drug users. The objective of this study was to identify the perception of relatives and acquaintances of drug users living in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, about the country's laws and policies on drugs. Data collection was performed using a structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of 100 drug users' relatives or acquaintances, selected at a public health service. Respondents' relationships with the drug user were as follows: 31% friend, 23% sibling, 15% child and 7% spouse. Most users (78%) were men, with an average age of 26 years. Results confirm that national laws and policies have a direct effect on individuals' attitude and behaviors. There is a lack of trust in the police and a general perception that, despite recent chances that favor user rehabilitation, the laws on drugs do not respect users' human rights.

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Published

2009-01-01

Issue

Vol. 17 (2009): Número Especial

Section

Original Articles

License

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How to Cite

Laws and policies on illicit drugs in Brazil and the perspective of drug users’ family members and acquaintances: a study in the City of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. (2009). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 17(spe), 810-816. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692009000700009