of reducing crime”.Robert L. DuPont and Eric A. Voth are professors of psychology and co-authors of Drug Legalization, Harm Reduction, and Drug Policy. DuPont and Voth are both non-supporters of the harm reduction movement. They state that the goal of all drug policy is to reduce the harm caused by drug abuse. They believe that harm reduction is nothing more than a front for the drug legalization movement. DuPont and Voth illustrate how the present theories surrounding harm reduction primarily focus on reduction in drug sentencing, addiction maintenance programs, needle exchange programs for intravenous drug users, and removal of workplace drug testing. DuPont and Voth go on to show what they feel is an ineffective and potentially hazardous method of dealing with the drug problem in the United States and that the harm reduction theory could actually increase the number of drug users and the amount of social problems caused by illegal drugs.There are many distinct differences between these opposing views and few similarities. They both seem to have the same common goal or intended end product, to eliminate the use of illegal drugs, yet the methods each proposes to achieve these goals are at nearly opposite ends of the drug enforcement spectrum. Opponents of harm reduction believe that instead of major policy change in terms of restrictions, there needs to be strict guidelines in place with the goal of reducing drug use. Those who believe in harm reduction programs such as needle exchange and reduced drug sentencing suggest that such interventions do not work and restructuring is necessary in order to experience a reduction in average harm experienced by both users and non-users alike. Those that are against harm reduction believe that implementing drug prevention programs and increasing rehabilitation efforts can reduce average harm. These efforts are believed to not only fight against the drug problem, but the alcohol an...
