Harnessing Research to Shape Human-Centered, Evidence-Based Drug Policies

​Research plays a pivotal role in advocating for and developing drug policies that are both evidence-based and grounded in human rights, signifying a shift from punitive measures to those that prioritise the individual at the centre of policymaking. Empirical studies offer concrete data and observable trends that allow policymakers and advocates to understand the multifaceted nature of substance use and its societal consequences. 

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​The groundbreaking study conducted by Andrew Scheibe, Shaun Shelly, and MJ Stowe addresses a crucial gap in our understanding of the drug market in South Africa, a sector that significantly influences the global economy and has far-reaching implications for governance and development. Recognizing the power wielded by the illicit drug trade, their research provides for the first time, an insightful estimation of the market values of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine within the country. 

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​Through a participatory approach, individuals who use drugs contributed substantively to the research, enriching the data with authentic, lived experiences. The researchers' innovative use of various methods, including focus group discussions, ethnographic mapping, brief interviews, and the Delphi technique, laid the groundwork for determining the extent of drug use and the market's operational dynamics in 2020. This study marks a significant step forward in shaping nuanced, informed drug policies that can better address the challenges posed by the illicit drug trade in South Africa and beyond.

​This rich bedrock of knowledge provides the necessary leverage to challenge outdated and harmful ideologies, push for the implementation of harm reduction strategies, and ensure that the policies enacted are responsive to the real-life experiences and needs of those most affected, people who use drugs. The indispensable insights gained from meticulous research enable the dismantling of stigma and misconceptions, ultimately fostering a legal and social environment that promotes dignity, justice, and public health while upholding the human rights of every individual.