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Drugs, drug use, drug policy and health

Michel Kazatchkine, Barbara Broers, Jennifer Hasselgard-Rowe, and Aymeric Reyre

This MOOC is the first of its kind, since it addresses critical issues related to drugs from a multidisciplinary, health and human rights-based approach. Throughout the course you will cover a range of questions including what are drugs and why they controlled? What are the benefits and harms of taking drugs? How public health policies can address drug use?

You will also learn about the intricacies of the international drug control framework and the negative consequences of widespread prohibitionist drug policies around the world. Finally, you will examine ways of furthering drug policy reform.

The topics will be presented by over 40 speakers from scientific, academic and institutional backgrounds, spokespersons of civil society as well as people who use drugs presenting their views.

By the end of the course you will have:

- a strong understanding of the major health issues related to drug use and drug policy;

- a clear vision of why drug policy is debated today;

- and, if you so wish, you will be equipped to engage in the drug policy reform movement at your local or regional level.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding drugs and the international drug control framework

Welcome to Module 1! This week's material starts by looking at seemingly simple questions such as : « what are drugs ? » and « why do people use drugs ? » It then addresses the question : « why are drug internationally controlled ? » As you will see the answer to this question constitutes one of the founding blocks of the rest of this course. You will learn what legal elements make up the international drug control framework and what that means for countries putting in place different drug policies around the world. Once you have finished this week, you will be able to: explain what drugs and controlled substances are; describe the main elements of the International Drug Control Framework and recognize the diversity of national drug policies under a unique International Drug Control Framework. We hope that you are prepared to work through the interesting and wide-ranging material we have prepared for you. We also encourage you to stop and answer as many of the in-video (or stand-alone) reflective questions we have placed throughout the week, and look forward to receiving any feedback you may have for us! Have a great first week learning about drugs and the international drug control framework! Best wishes,The Drugs, Drug Use, Drug Policy and Health team

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines the social, health, economic, and political aspects of what many consider to be a failing drug war

Partners with reputable schools and organizations, including The IDPC, Harm Reduction International, the International Drug Policy Consortium, and The Global Commission on Drug Policy

Covers topics likely to be of interest to activists and those who work in healthcare, social justice, and policy

Taught by instructors who have expertise in the field of drug and health reform

Explored through various formats such as articles, presentations, lectures, videos, and interviews

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive look at drugs & policy

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and eye-opening look at the complex world of drugs, drug use, and policy. Students particularly praised the multidisciplinary approach and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, including those of people who use drugs. The content is described as highly informative and well-structured, covering historical context, health issues, harm reduction, and critical analysis of prohibitionist policies. Many found it to be a valuable foundation for understanding current debates and engaging in policy reform. While the course is largely positive, some reviews hinted that it requires dedication due to the depth and breadth of material. Overall, it is seen as an essential course for anyone interested in the topic.

Depth of material requires commitment.

"Be prepared to dedicate significant time; the material is dense but worth it."

"While excellent, this isn't a light course. It demands focus and time to absorb everything."

"The amount of information is vast, which is great, but means you need to stay on top of the readings and videos."

Logical flow and clear learning objectives.

"The course is very well organized, with each module building logically on the last."

"The structure made it easy to follow complex topics and understand the progression of ideas."

"Loved how the course was broken down into manageable weekly modules with clear objectives."

Inclusion of lived experiences is powerful.

"Including the voices of people who use drugs was incredibly important and added a vital human element to the science and policy."

"Hearing personal stories made the impact of policies much more real and impactful."

"The perspective from individuals with lived experience was the most powerful part of the course for me."

Course encourages critical thinking on policy.

"This course really made me question everything I thought I knew about drug policy and its real-world impact."

"It provides the necessary framework to critically analyze current laws and advocate for more humane approaches."

"Came away with a much more critical perspective on the 'war on drugs' and its consequences."

Diverse perspectives enrich understanding.

"Really appreciated the multidisciplinary approach, hearing from scientists, policymakers, activists, and crucially, people with lived experience."

"The course brings together so many different viewpoints, making the understanding of drug policy truly comprehensive and nuanced."

"It was enlightening to see the topic covered from health, human rights, historical, and policy angles all in one place."

Content is deep, insightful, and current.

"The information provided is highly relevant and up-to-date, giving me a solid understanding of global drug policies."

"Learned so much more than I expected, especially about harm reduction strategies and the failures of prohibition."

"Each module was packed with valuable insights and historical context that I hadn't encountered before."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Drugs, drug use, drug policy and health with these activities:

Design a public health campaign to reduce drug use in your community

Show steps

Develops practical skills in designing and implementing public health interventions.

Show steps

Identify the target audience and their needs.
Develop key messages and materials.
Implement the campaign and monitor its impact.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Drugs, drug use, drug policy and health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselors play an important role in helping individuals overcome addiction and substance use disorders. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the complexities of drug use and the challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively support and guide individuals through the recovery process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators play a vital role in promoting health and preventing disease. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence drug use, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to reduce drug-related harm. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively develop and implement public health programs that address drug use and its consequences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Harm Reduction Specialist

Harm Reduction Specialists work with individuals who use drugs to reduce the risks associated with drug use. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the principles and practices of harm reduction, as well as the evidence-based interventions that can be used to prevent overdose, reduce HIV transmission, and improve the health of people who use drugs. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively provide harm reduction services and support individuals who use drugs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Harm Reduction Specialist

Drug Policy Analyst

Drug Policy Analysts conduct research and analysis to inform drug policy development. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the different approaches to drug policy, the evidence base for drug policy decisions, and the challenges and opportunities for drug policy reform. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively conduct research and analysis that can inform drug policy development and improve drug-related outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drug Policy Analyst

Health Psychologist

Health Psychologists focus on the psychological and behavioral factors that influence health and illness. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the psychological and social factors that contribute to drug use, as well as the psychological interventions that can be used to prevent and treat drug-related problems. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively provide psychological services to individuals who use drugs and to develop and implement health promotion programs that address drug use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Psychologist

Medical Toxicologist

Medical Toxicologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the different classes of drugs, their pharmacological effects, and the medical consequences of drug use. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively diagnose and treat drug-related emergencies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Toxicologist

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They also play a role in preventing drug abuse and misuse. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the different classes of drugs, their pharmacological effects, and the potential risks and benefits of drug use. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively dispense medications and provide accurate information about their use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, including drug-related problems. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the different classes of drugs, their pharmacological effects, and the medical consequences of drug use. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively diagnose and treat drug-related problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Social Worker

Social Workers provide counseling and support to individuals and families. They also play a role in preventing drug abuse and misuse. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence drug use, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to reduce drug-related harm. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively provide counseling and support to individuals and families who are affected by drug use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease in populations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the methods used to study drug use and its consequences, as well as the factors that contribute to drug-related problems. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively conduct research and develop interventions to address drug use and its consequences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Criminologist

Criminologists study crime and criminal behavior. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the role of drug use in crime, as well as the effectiveness of different crime control strategies. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively conduct research and develop policies to address drug-related crime.

See salaries and explore the career path for Criminologist

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the economic consequences of drug use, as well as the cost-effectiveness of different drug policies. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively conduct research and develop policies to address the economic consequences of drug use.

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Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers enforce the law and prevent crime. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the role of law enforcement in drug control, as well as the challenges and opportunities for law enforcement to reduce drug-related harm. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively enforce drug laws and to develop and implement strategies to reduce drug-related crime.

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Policymaker

Policymakers develop and implement public policy. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the different approaches to drug policy, the evidence base for drug policy decisions, and the challenges and opportunities for drug policy reform. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively develop and implement drug policies that are based on evidence and that protect public health.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct studies to investigate questions about the world around us. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of drug use, drug policy, and the health implications of drug use. By taking this course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the different methods used to study drug use and its consequences, as well as the factors that contribute to drug-related problems. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary foundation to effectively design and conduct research studies on drug use and its consequences.

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Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Drugs, drug use, drug policy and health .

World Drug Report 2016