Rethinking the War on Drugs: Lessons from History with Kathleen J. Frydl
This history implicitly suggests, and I explicitly argue that the drug war 'is not the only or best way to handle drugs.'
Why are our prisons overflowing with non-violent drug offenders? And why do drug use rates remain stubbornly high despite decades of stringent policies? These are just a few of the questions historian Kathleen J. Frydl tackles in this compelling episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery'. Host Marshall Poe sits down with Frydl to explore her book, *The War on Drugs in America, 1940-1973*, shedding light on the roots and repercussions of America's longstanding battle against drugs.
Frydl argues that the 'War on Drugs', declared by President Nixon in 1971, has been an expensive and largely ineffective endeavor. Before this war, drug control was primarily managed through taxation and regulation by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, a branch of the Department of the Treasury. However, Nixon's policies shifted enforcement to the Department of Justice, criminalizing drug distribution and use, and pushing states to adopt aggressive measures.
This shift, Frydl suggests, has led to disastrous outcomes, including overcrowded prisons and persistent racial and class biases in drug policy enforcement. Drug use rates are similar across different races and classes, yet minority and low-income communities face disproportionate enforcement. The episode also delves into how political and social factors, such as the Vietnam War and the crack epidemic of the 1980s, have influenced drug policies.
Frydl advocates for a more humane approach to drug control, one that prioritizes treatment and support over criminalization. She points to Portugal's decriminalization policy as a successful model, suggesting that legalizing marijuana and regulating other drugs could lead to better outcomes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex history of drug policies in America and considering alternative approaches that focus on helping those struggling with addiction.