From the Mountaintops-2011-Portugal-proof3.indd - Global Initiative ...

I. IntroductionThe aim of this study is to show the circumstances that led to the current drug policy inPortugal, the mechanisms used to effect this change and, most importantly, to discuss thevalues and ideas behind Portuguese drug policy, how it works, and what the impact has beenon drug use and drug harms within Portugal.The study presents the results of the policy, measured by research on drug use andthe evaluations of independent scientists and employees of government institutions whodeal with drug-related issues.The study and its findings are largely based on interviews with people working ondifferent aspects of drug policy in Portugal. These groups and individuals range from thosewho created the policy to the decision-makers who debated and advocated the reforms; thepeople who are engaged on a daily basis in prevention and education, harm reduction, andtreatment activities that help drug dependent people return to society; and those who enforcethe laws against large-scale drug dealers.Of the study’s 20 interviews, 15 were conducted with Portuguese drugs specialistsand 5 with drug users. The interviews were complemented by analysis of previous studieson drug policy in Portugal, examinations of the consumption of psychoactive substances,and documents from the police and the Portuguese Institute on Drugs and Drug Addiction.11