Why Europe's Heroin Capital Decriminalized All Drugs

Go to ground.news/explainedwithdom to stay fully informed on breaking news, compare coverage and avoid media bias. Sign up for free or subscribe for unlimited access if you want to support their mission and find it as useful as I do.
It can be solved - and Portugal might have done it already.
0:00 - Intro
1:01 - Ad Ground News
02:04 - Part 1: The Crisis
04:45 - Part 2: The New Strategy
08:00 - Part 3: The Results
09:10 - Part 4: The Role Model?

[@ExplainedwithDom]

Go to ground.news/explainedwithdom to stay fully informed on breaking news, compare coverage and avoid media bias. Sign up for free or subscribe for unlimited access if you want to support their mission and find it as useful as I do.

[@GloryDaze73]

I like your videos very much! Some of them end very abruptly though 😢Could you maybe end them with a conclusion from your side...or maybe saying something like ' thank you guys for watching, see you next time' or something like that.

[@UbuTube]

The reason Coca-Cola wasn't available in Portugal during the dictatorship was not because "the dictator considered it to be a highly addictive drug". The drink was forbidden in 1928 by Ricardo Jorge, a highly respected personality that, to this day, is credited with launching the concept of "public health" in Portugal and has his name in public institutions and streets. It was not Salazar it was Ricardo Jorge who vetoed Coca-Cola in Portugal. And his rationale for doing so makes some sense: either the drink contained cocaine, and it obviously could not be sold to the public, or it didn't and the name was deceiving the consumer. It should be noted that Pepsi Cola was available in Portugal before the 1974 revolution that ended the dictatorship, so it was obviously not a "political" issue or at least not exclusively a political issue.

[@sa34w]

The guy didn’t check the facts and might have just looked around some shady websites. I am just skeptical how much of his videos are accurate.

[@UbuTube]

@@sa34w I haven't watched other videos on this channel. This one is pretty accurate regarding the drug situation in Portugal and the measures the country has taken to solve that problem. I also find it interesting how he questions if Portugal's choices could be replicated in the USA. People tend to assume that if something works in one place then you can apply it all around the world, but that isn't necessarily true. The inaccuracy I mentioned is just about a pretty irrelevant detail.

[@truthismycause2800]

​@@UbuTubeWe went from having almost 10% of the population hooked on opioids to having one of the lowest opioid addiction rates in the developed world. Nevertheless, I don't believe the portuguese strategy will get the same results in the USA for multiple reasons, from cultural aspects, population size, healthcare system or even territorial administration. We're two very different societies.

[@kristianprigl7895]

In my opinion the problem is far from solved. when I was in lisbon I was asked dozens times if I want drugs while I was crossing just one street in the old town.

[@nycoolj3]

There will be drug problems in major cities almost wherever you go

[@kristianprigl7895]

@@nycoolj3 i didn't have the same experience in any major european city

[@IreFang]

Too anecdotal, pull up some statistics. Also you get offered drugs in other countries too, just not from randoms lol. Normally from friends or associates, because cops.

[@edgarLV]

​@@kristianprigl7895then you definitely haven't been in Barcelona 😂 The same, it's like the only thing that you hear on the street there.

[@alexsalemo9137]

That’s happen yet, but , comparing present day with 90 , you don’t have any idea what you are saying, in Lisbon those peoples asking tourists if they want drugs most of are from Eastern Europeans countries, Romania, Bulgaria

[@victorbellew3759]

They’re trying this in Oregon and it has been an unmitigated disaster. Drug use and homelessness have spiked, overdose deaths are at an all time high and violent crimes involving drug users are worse than ever. That doesn’t even include nonviolent crimes like shoplifting and car theft or squatting on vacant property. Also we’ve seen a migration of drug addicts into the area which has stretched the state to the breaking limit financially.

[@christiancarrera4476]

Jail for profit is a behemoth in the US. Laws here won’t change as there is too much money to make for people’s incarceration

[@user-xg4yu4yi3m]

When every aspect of a society is monetized, this is the result. Mass incarceration. High college tuition. No universal health care. It's also why the US is innovators. Pick your poison I guess

[@peterkops6431]

Well put together report Dom. Good on you! 👍🏻👍🏻 Australia.

[@jackflanagle6079]

Global Peace Index 2022: Portugal rated 6th safest country on earth. USA: 129th out of 163.

[@Theescapist_87]

This is not the way. The world needs to tackle the lack of good mental health resources. People using drugs are one of many symptoms of bad mental health.

[@fosahistorica2537]

Also , here , in many countries of latin america , imprison consumers is counterproductive as they will be exposed to the criminal world and also get engaged to harder drugs , and with this , they will be more prone to be smugglers and robbers pnce they will release from prison

[@G0sentrick]

Thanks!

[@gh0s1wav]

I use ground news all the time. One of the only KZbin sponsors I like.

[@ground_news]

@gh0s1 Thanks for the support!

[@gh0s1wav]

Everything a business in the us, even the people.

[@xDagger]

This really is the path that the rest of the world ought to follow. I remain bemused every time a politician stands up and declares the solution to drugs is to simply make penalties for possession harsher.

[@gungaginga9772]

Singapore has the lowest drug overdose death rates in the world as well as some of the harshest punishments for possession

[@tropicalpalmtree]

Yeah because west coast USA is proof it works everywhere, right? Not that every city is now just a huge drug market with people setting up camp to use drugs on the sidewalks because the cops can't do anything. Portland, Seattle and San Francisco are destroyed because of the lax drug and crime laws.

[@davidwestwater2219]

Harm reduction is insane millions are dying we need forced treatment this is a humaniterian nightmare.

[@Atlasbr001]

The elusive bright side with Dom

[@ground_news]

Thanks Dom! Happy to continue supporting your work. For anyone interested, check out the link above and let us know if you have any questions.

[@lroche3262]

In US the dealers are the Phamas.

[@Randomynous01]

Apply Phycology of a person to the system.. A person hates changing himself and rarely addresses their own flaws and chooses to act like it doesn’t exist, instead spending their time indulging in the pleasures of life.. because this is much easier than to evolve and to work on fixing your issues .. And when they absolutely have to they look for quick and easy fixes.. same for the system, that is because the system is controlled by these types of people.. I consider The reform that happened in Portugal a quick and easy fix.. you want to actually repair society? Then you have to ask what makes them turn to the darkness? Then they will probably list all the flaws in the government applied system that makes their life way too difficult.. but the elite are way to greedy, selfish, self-centered to take that path..

[@misterbig9025]

How come USA cannot use Portugese strategy? Can they provide free treatment for addicts?

[@dd-uy5lx]

umm drugs aint the issue. It requires full support. People get free treatments then go back. so that's not even an option

[@juliancalero8012]

The stigma of being an addict doesn't help people because they don't seek help for a serious medical issue

[@nordicnostalgia8106]

@@dd-uy5lxWhy not? People go there in the first place to get treatment. Some fall back into addiction but not everyone. Clean needles would be good for health as well. Might even reduce healthcare cost in the long run

[@prustk]

Populists of 'free market' and making business on people's life will never allow it. Reaganomics mentality in US is simply too strong. US is not a Europe with its public institutions for a reason. Europe is about people, USA is about money. At any cost.

[@dd-uy5lx]

@@prustk well we are divide people. we ain't one people in USA. you forget that.

[@amardave84]

I will correct one thing here. The overwhelming majority of fentanyl consumed in US is not prescribed. It's illicit fentanyl from China.

[@undrcroft]

Dr Drew needs to see this...He keeps lying and saying Portugal was a complete failure, when its been a smashing success.

[@lightingflow4203]

Aren't the Canadian trying that and it faild completely.

[@cc-dtv]

Heroin is not psychically damaging in and of itself, the negative health effects, asides from testosterone suppression and constipation, are caused by prohibition itself. Heroin is quite benign physically aside from the, you know, dependency.

[@gregzeng]

Many nations world-wide do this hard-reduction method now. Insiders in the industry, both legal & illegal, are very aware of these actual practices. National & local practices may or may not be officially recognized, or publicized. Here in Australia, it was often part of our community programs for the HIV-AIDS and sexually transmitted epidemics. These schemes were covered by charities, non-profits, and local, state & federal governments. Many medical & hospital services also do these activities. Difference parts of Australia also have needle exchanges, injection places, emergency accommodation & support, and varying degrees of decriminalization.

[@alex630710]

Ask yourself then why are the Netherlands regretting being so tolerant towards drug use.

[@cc-dtv]

Opioids? Never heard of them, clearly...

[@randomguyse7e719]

that was very short sighted of portugal, how will they affect the undesirables if their own government doesnt flood the streets with crack?

[@kaiseramadeus233]

Republikkkans when they see this video: 😡

[@justintrotter4186]

#1970sAgain #HugeSurprise #SuchAnAnomaly

[@FlorianWerfel324]

Love your content! Working with a financial analyst could actually set you up for life. I'm overjoyed that I was able to contact my coach, Joseph Sullivan Anderson earlier this year because, while others were complaining about inflation, I was busy cashing out from my Diversified-portfolio, finally making over 370k for the first quarter of the year. Joseph Sullivan Anderson has assisted us in becoming debt-free and saving for retirement.

[@leonardo54465]

Interesting! My portfolio recently reached 6-figures, and here's what I have to say about it. It is important to carefully analyze your options and keep an eye on the economy when investing during inflation. Make sure your portfolio consistently reflects your risk tolerance and financial objectives by reviewing and rebalancing it. A financial advisor can offer tailored advice based on your unique situation and assist you in navigating the challenges of investing during inflationary periods.

[@Hollowsmith418]

I've been considering seeking advice from advisors. Because I want to retire early and become more financially literate, I need advice, but I'm curious how effective their services will actually be.

[@FlorianWerfel324]

My Advisor would say to me that saving nothing is unwise, and that saving every penny that isn't already dedicated to paying bills or buying groceries is unrealistic if you want to retire early, you must have a well-diversified investment portfolio.

[@FlorianWerfel324]

My advisor, Joseph Sullivan Anderson, acts as a fiduciary with extensive knowledge and doesn't promise wild unrealistic returns. It's been a pleasure working with him, and he has been extremely helpful in reorganizing my entire portfolio. He has years of experience and is an invaluable resource for anyone attempting to navigate the financial market. I recommend doing more research on his credentials.

[@leonardo54465]

That name is familiar to me. I believe I read about this analyst in a business publication, Joseph Sullivan Anderson has an excellent reputation and good insight into profiting from economic volatility.

[@stefanschleps8758]

Go Portugal! The United States could learn a great deal from this model, and would, if it weren't for one obstinate group. The GOP stands in the way of major drug policy reform within the USA. In America there are "for profit" prisons! And many GOP members of Congress are investors in these for profit prison systems. So they have a vested interest in maintaining the system no matter how cruel, or inhumane, it is, they still make money on the suffering of others! Thats one of the real reason legislative reform does not occur. Start writing your representative now! It's probably illegal, but if its not it should be! Perhaps the DOJ needs to investigate?! What do you think?

[@JonathanB138]

The Corporate Democrats don't care about their constituents. Just their "owner donors". If they cared about us, then they would be pushing for M4A. They don't push it since their stock profile and their campaigns would take a major hit. Until Corporate money is taken out of politics we will continue to fail taking care of own.

[@JohnVKaravitis]

So, Protugal solved nothing. Right. Got it.

[@jackflanagle6079]

No, you didn't get it. Go back and look at things that improved, i.e.: Going from one of the worst drug-infested countries in Europe to one of the lowest; reductions of HIV cases; 100K in prison for drugs down to 25K now. "Turned it from an epidemic to a manageable issue". (9:05)

[@alexsalemo9137]

This is false information, as Portugues I can tell you, you are lie, Portugal never been drug capital of Europe, that’s Spain, Portugal yes have heroin problems at beginning of 90’s in part that’s is true, but it’s never been alarming situation, we’re small country and and not too much over populated, even the number of HIV , as you mention isn’t true at all… the difference between Portugal and US , is : that one is poor but human being, using their small economy to solve country problems, supporting their citizens, and US , is more evil than the rest of countries in the world, how the most rich country in the world, abandon its own citizens? How poor country could achieve in part it’s own social problems with small budgets? Indeed, the rich country couldn’t achieve its own citizens problems, only know how to seeking war destruction of others countries?

[@CodingExpress]

I have a solution: build a holding facility for drug addicts. Put it in the law that if you are caught doing drugs, you will be taking to the special prison. Nobody is his normal mind would wanna get locked up with addicts, and that thought would help them deter themselves

[@sainttesuque7940]

i’m sure that already exists and i think grouping drug addicts together is a bad idea. they kind of enable and help each other be addicted to drugs

[@edgarLV]

​@@sainttesuque7940you're right. Later it is a huge problem for them. There are many who want to break out of that addiction, but because of that kind of mates, it's not easy. + they feel "alone" without help, and the only people that give some attention to there personally is those who give them these drugs.

[@CodingExpress]

@@LaNina_DJ Atleast the society would be cleansed. Seeing homeless druggies everywhere encourages more to wanna be

[@sainttesuque7940]

@@edgarLV no seriously. i quit drugs for the most part but my friends are still caught up in it. every time i hang out with them i’m surrounded by it. addicts hanging out with addicts is not a good idea. it’s better to be surrounded by sober good influences

[@sainttesuque7940]

@@LaNina_DJ most addicts are in denial about their addiction or justify it in some way. nobody in there right mind wants to be addicted you’re right but i find most addicts attempt to convince themselves it’s not as bad as it is. there are a lot of reasons why people do drugs and are addicted to them. but maybe you’re right. i’m not a drug addict idk why people do it. in my experience. i’ve done a lot of drugs but i’ve always been weary of overusing them. i have a lot of friends that do drugs like ket, speed and coke on the daily. and when i’m with them i feel not so bad about my own use as i don’t let it interfere with my life in anyway for the most part. but when i’m with more sober goal oriented people i feel quite terrible about it. i would argue that the biggest element in becoming addicted is your exposure to it and who you’re surrounded with. drug addiction exists at all levels and areas of society but in particular low status society.

[@k4rt0nerheiss93]

legalize home grown weed. All we need.

[@greylady4560]

I was extremely excited about your offer to Groundnews. A news website that weights the bias of news stories is fantastic. Unfortunately, your link does not offer it for a free trial. All subscriptions cost. I had read an article about Portugal's solution to drugs & addiction. Your video adds the cons that was missing from the article I read. Since addiction is not well understood to begin with, how can we legislate it? The US puts so much money towards enforcing drugs. I'd love to see that money going to understanding and supporting those that truly want to quit. However, USA is not known as a country that helps the underdog but rather as a country that supports the top 1% ie heath care as a business, read as shareholder.