Drugs and society in Spain in the 2020s: Outlining alternatives to the biomedical-punitive model

This article aims to outline the basis of an alternative proposal to the traditional approach to
drug policy and drug dependence in Spain. It is based on a critical analysis of the currently predominant
hegemonic model, which is considered to be limited for two fundamental reasons.
The first is its excessively biomedical and individualised approach to the treatment of mental
health problems (and, therefore, drug dependence). The second is its emphasis on repressive
and punitive measures to manage the social challenges related to adult recreational drug use
and, especially, the problems arising from the existence of illicit drug markets. Both limitations
have made it necessary for public policy to manage not only the consequences of substance
use but also the consequences of drug policies themselves. As an alternative, we outline a
model that combines a non-stigmatising approach to psychoactive substances with the centrality
of human rights as the fundamental axis that should guide drug policies. We will focus
on the specific cases of psychotropic substances (psilocybin, LSD and MDMA) and psychoactive
plants of traditional origin, such as ayahuasca or coca leaf. With a more reflexive than
academic intention, but as a result of the authors’ experience in research and advocacy in this
field, this article outlines some elements that could be taken into consideration when designing
a drug policy that is more focused on community health and care, based on human rights, the
participation of civil society and the objective evaluation of public policies.