Drug abuse--user accountability: is it a victimless crime?
This article examines the principles of drug-user accountability. It examines the broader concepts of accountability in terms of individual responsibility (including criminal responsibility), the actions and the consequences of such actions, in terms of the self and others. Recent and prevailing governmental and public opinions are evaluated and appropriate sanctions are examined. Medico-legal aspects and dilemmas affecting the issues of the pathology of drug addiction and the nature and degree of impairment of responsibility as part of the addictive process, are analysed. A combined approach blending effective treatment, appropriate legal sanctions and community sanctions as an ultimate process to achieve demand and supply reduction universally, is proposed.
de Miranda
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Clinical Services Centre for Alcohol and Drug Studies, Johannesburg, South Africa.
D003415:Crime / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D012941:Social Responsibility; D013019:South Africa; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*