Substance Use Policy

3 units

This course will provide an overview of drug policies in the United States ranging from the criminalization of drug use through sanctions and mandated services, the policies behind the drug treatment system in the United States, and evolving drug law reforms reflecting settings at the local, national and global levels. The course will cover the historical contexts of criminalization of drug use through the passing of laws that were unevenly enforced. Students will apply policy analysis skills to better understand the consequences of policy decisions surrounding drug treatment and enforcement of drug interdiction laws in the United States on health and social equity.