Describe Portugal's approach to drug policy and two observed outcomes.

• A. Criminalization with harsh penalties; outcomes include increased overdose deaths.
• B. Decriminalization of possession for personal use with treatment and harm-reduction support; outcomes include declines in overdose deaths and HIV transmission, without large increases in use.
• C. Prohibition with no treatment; outcomes include stable use rates.
• D. Legalization of all drugs with taxation; outcomes include runaway use.

Answer: (B)

Portugal treats drug use as a health issue rather than a crime. By decriminalizing possession for personal use and directing people toward treatment and harm-reduction services, the system emphasizes support over punishment. People found with small amounts aren’t jailed; instead, they appear before a public commission that can impose administrative sanctions, but the goal is to connect them with care, prevention, and social supports. This approach has produced health-focused outcomes: overdoses and new HIV infections among people who use drugs have fallen, and there hasn’t been a large surge in drug use.