WAR ON DRUGS: ANALYZING THE POLICY LANDSCAPE

Abstract

The impact of United States policies and laws resonates deeply within the lives of its residents, shaping their experiences and opportunities. For those identifying as minorities, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), or falling under the category of "other" in our societal framework, the influence of U.S. policies and laws often manifests in oppressive and stigmatizing ways. This article delves into the intricate relationship between U.S. drug laws and the perpetuation of systemic racism, specifically targeting BIPOC individuals, while concurrently fostering detrimental stereotypes about drug use. Consequently, these stigmas have fundamentally altered societal perceptions and responses towards drug users. While substance use disorders extend their reach without discrimination based on race, gender, or creed, it is crucial to acknowledge that BIPOC communities have borne a distinct and injurious brunt of these consequences (Chatterjee et al., 2022).