Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31).&nbsp;

<h2>Losing someone to drug overdose</h2>

More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

It found that 32 per cent of respondents knew someone who had succumbed to a fatal drug overdose. Furthermore, for 18.9 per cent of these, that person "was a family member or close friend".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heartbreaking-reality-over-321000-children-left-orphaned-due-to-americas-drug-epidemic-between-2011-2021-719636">Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021</a>

The survey also highlighted the fact that individuals across the political spectrum had similar rates of knowing someone who had died from an overdose. It also found that those personally affected by such a loss were more likely to view addiction as an "extremely or very important policy issue." Researchers believe this indicates that those who have lost loved ones to overdoses might be able to unite to "facilitate greater policy change."

"The drug overdose crisis is a national tragedy," said Alene Kennedy-Hendricks, who led the analysis, in a news release. She emphasised that while many US adults are mourning overdose-related losses, they might not be as visible as groups affected by "less stigmatised health issues".&nbsp;

"Although large numbers of US adults are bereaved due to overdose, they may not be as visible as other groups who have lost loved ones to less stigmatised health issues."&nbsp;

Kennedy-Hendricks suggests that movements aiming to "build support for policy change to overcome the devastating toll of the overdose crisis should consider the role of this community."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>

Furthermore, the economic burden of the opioid crisis is staggering, with associated costs exceeding $1 trillion annually in the United States, reported&nbsp;the survey.

<h2>US drug epidemic</h2>

In recent years, the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has witnessed over 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually. Since 1990, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, with the majority of these deaths being opioid-related. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have been a major driver of this crisis, said the CDC.

This comes as another recent study revealed that drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of scores of parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan.

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, around 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent to the drug epidemic.&nbsp;

The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently reported that over 321,000 children in the United States have lost parents to overdoses in the past decade. This tragic situation underscores the far-reaching impact of the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31). Losing someone to drug overdose More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31). Losing someone to drug overdose More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It found that 32 per cent of respondents knew someone who had succumbed to a fatal drug overdose. Furthermore, for 18.9 per cent of these, that person "was a family member or close friend". Also read | Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021 The survey also highlighted the fact that individuals across the political spectrum had similar rates of knowing someone who had died from an overdose. It also found that those personally affected by such a loss were more likely to view addiction as an "extremely or very important policy issue." Researchers believe this indicates that those who have lost loved ones to overdoses might be able to unite to "facilitate greater policy change." "The drug overdose crisis is a national tragedy," said Alene Kennedy-Hendricks, who led the analysis, in a news release. She emphasised that while many US adults are mourning overdose-related losses, they might not be as visible as groups affected by "less stigmatised health issues". "Although large numbers of US adults are bereaved due to overdose, they may not be as visible as other groups who have lost loved ones to less stigmatised health issues." Kennedy-Hendricks suggests that movements aiming to "build support for policy change to overcome the devastating toll of the overdose crisis should consider the role of this community." Also read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 Furthermore, the economic burden of the opioid crisis is staggering, with associated costs exceeding $1 trillion annually in the United States, reported the survey. US drug epidemic In recent years, the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has witnessed over 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually. Since 1990, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, with the majority of these deaths being opioid-related. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have been a major driver of this crisis, said the CDC. This comes as another recent study revealed that drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of scores of parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, around 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent to the drug epidemic. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently reported that over 321,000 children in the United States have lost parents to overdoses in the past decade. This tragic situation underscores the far-reaching impact of the crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

'National tragedy': Survey reveals 1 in 3 Americans affected by drug overdose deaths

Drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of numerous parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan, revealed a new study. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, over 321,000 children lost a parent to drug overdose in the United States.

<h2>First of its kind&nbsp;study on loss</h2>

The study is the first of its kind to shine a light on the number of children affected by the overdose crisis in America.&nbsp;

Between 2011 and 2021, 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/advances-in-artificial-intelligence-mean-deadbots-can-haunt-users-warn-ai-experts-heres-what-it-means-719542">Advances in artificial intelligence mean 'deadbots' can 'haunt' the living, warn experts. Here's what it means</a>

Despite these tragic numbers, no national study had previously estimated the number of children who lost a parent to drug overdose.&nbsp;

"This first-of-its-kind study allows us to better understand the tragic magnitude of the overdose crisis and the reverberations it has among children and families," said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, the leader of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

As per the study published in JAMA Psychiatry, the rate of children who experienced this momentous loss more than doubled between 2011 and 2021 — from 27 to 63 children per 100,000.

<h2>The communities affected</h2>

Of this, the highest numbers were of children with non-Hispanic white parents. However, communities of colour and tribal communities were also found to be disproportionately affected.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>

According to a press release, American Indian/Alaska Native children have the highest rate of parent loss due to overdose (187/100,000) from 2011 to 2021, twice that of White and Black children (76.5/100,000 and 73/100,000 respectively).

"It is devastating to see that almost half of the people who died of a drug overdose had a child. No family should lose their loved one to an overdose, and each of these deaths represents a tragic loss that could have been prevented," said Nora Volkow, MD, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) director.&nbsp;

"These findings emphasise the need to better support parents in accessing prevention, treatment, and recovery services. In addition, any child who loses a parent to overdose must receive the care and support they need to navigate this painful and traumatic experience."

(With inputs from agencies)

Drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of numerous parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan, revealed a new study. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, over 321,000 children lost a parent to drug overdose in the United States.

Drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of numerous parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan, revealed a new study. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, over 321,000 children lost a parent to drug overdose in the United States. First of its kind study on loss The study is the first of its kind to shine a light on the number of children affected by the overdose crisis in America. Between 2011 and 2021, 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent. Also read | Advances in artificial intelligence mean 'deadbots' can 'haunt' the living, warn experts. Here's what it means Despite these tragic numbers, no national study had previously estimated the number of children who lost a parent to drug overdose. "This first-of-its-kind study allows us to better understand the tragic magnitude of the overdose crisis and the reverberations it has among children and families," said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, the leader of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). As per the study published in JAMA Psychiatry, the rate of children who experienced this momentous loss more than doubled between 2011 and 2021 — from 27 to 63 children per 100,000. The communities affected Of this, the highest numbers were of children with non-Hispanic white parents. However, communities of colour and tribal communities were also found to be disproportionately affected. Also read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 According to a press release, American Indian/Alaska Native children have the highest rate of parent loss due to overdose (187/100,000) from 2011 to 2021, twice that of White and Black children (76.5/100,000 and 73/100,000 respectively). "It is devastating to see that almost half of the people who died of a drug overdose had a child. No family should lose their loved one to an overdose, and each of these deaths represents a tragic loss that could have been prevented," said Nora Volkow, MD, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) director. "These findings emphasise the need to better support parents in accessing prevention, treatment, and recovery services. In addition, any child who loses a parent to overdose must receive the care and support they need to navigate this painful and traumatic experience." (With inputs from agencies)

Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021

In a sudden move, British Columbia has reversed its 'landmark' drug decriminalisation experiment.&nbsp;

On Friday (Apr 26), the British Columbia Office of the Premier in a press release announced that the Canadian Province was "taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks."

<h2>Keeping people safe</h2>

David Eby, the premier, announced that he's asking the federal government to make public drug use illegal again.

"Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe."&nbsp;

"We're taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options, so people can stay alive and get better," he added.

<h2>The experiment</h2>

When British Columbia started the experiment in 2023, it was a big change in how the law treats drug use. The experiment sought to help people who use drugs instead of punishing them or making them feel like criminals.&nbsp;

The plan was supposed to run for three years and be closely watched by the federal and provincial governments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/experts-call-for-rapid-regulation-of-killer-robots-say-humans-should-decide-who-lives-and-who-dies-716488">Experts call for rapid regulation of killer robots, say humans should decide 'who lives and who dies'</a>

At the time, Canada's health minister said it could be a model for other places, and the province's health officer believed it could make a real difference in the overdose crisis happening in British Columbia.

However, now, the province is scaling back on the decriminalisation effort. While experts say that fixing the drug supply is crucial to stopping deaths, many people are unhappy with the open drug use and the number of deaths. Some think the government has been too lenient.

In a statement, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General said, "Our communities are facing big challenges. People are dying from deadly street drugs, and we see the issues with public use and disorder on our streets."

"As we continue to go after the gangs and organized criminals who are making and trafficking toxic drugs, we're taking action now to make it illegal to use drugs in public spaces, and to expand access to treatment to help people who need it most." &nbsp;

As per the Guardian, people will still be allowed to have a small amount — 2.5g — of certain drugs in private places, like homes or safe injection sites. However, police will now be able to take drugs from people using them in public or even arrest them in some cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-court-case-rare-side-effects-admission-of-guilt-and-more-all-you-need-to-know-716604">AstraZeneca Covid vaccine: Court case, rare side effects, admission of guilt, and more. All you need to know</a>

However, the decision to roll back the decriminalisation has been criticised by advocacy groups, who say the province didn't give the experiment a "fair chance". They have also alleged that the province is using it as an excuse for other problems like the housing crisis and poverty.

On X, Moms Stop the Harm posted, "BC never gave #decrim a fair chance. It is blamed for social issues that are the result of policy failure[s] resulting in a housing crisis &amp; poverty."

"Rather than address the real issues [Eby] found a convenient scapegoat. Our loved ones die," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a sudden move, British Columbia has reversed its 'landmark' drug decriminalisation experiment. On Friday (Apr 26), the British Columbia Office of the Premier in a press release announced that the Canadian Province was "taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks.

In a sudden move, British Columbia has reversed its 'landmark' drug decriminalisation experiment. On Friday (Apr 26), the British Columbia Office of the Premier in a press release announced that the Canadian Province was "taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks." Keeping people safe David Eby, the premier, announced that he's asking the federal government to make public drug use illegal again. "Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe." "We're taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options, so people can stay alive and get better," he added. The experiment When British Columbia started the experiment in 2023, it was a big change in how the law treats drug use. The experiment sought to help people who use drugs instead of punishing them or making them feel like criminals. The plan was supposed to run for three years and be closely watched by the federal and provincial governments. Also read | Experts call for rapid regulation of killer robots, say humans should decide 'who lives and who dies' At the time, Canada's health minister said it could be a model for other places, and the province's health officer believed it could make a real difference in the overdose crisis happening in British Columbia. However, now, the province is scaling back on the decriminalisation effort. While experts say that fixing the drug supply is crucial to stopping deaths, many people are unhappy with the open drug use and the number of deaths. Some think the government has been too lenient. In a statement, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General said, "Our communities are facing big challenges. People are dying from deadly street drugs, and we see the issues with public use and disorder on our streets." "As we continue to go after the gangs and organized criminals who are making and trafficking toxic drugs, we're taking action now to make it illegal to use drugs in public spaces, and to expand access to treatment to help people who need it most." As per the Guardian, people will still be allowed to have a small amount — 2.5g — of certain drugs in private places, like homes or safe injection sites. However, police will now be able to take drugs from people using them in public or even arrest them in some cases. Also read | AstraZeneca Covid vaccine: Court case, rare side effects, admission of guilt, and more. All you need to know However, the decision to roll back the decriminalisation has been criticised by advocacy groups, who say the province didn't give the experiment a "fair chance". They have also alleged that the province is using it as an excuse for other problems like the housing crisis and poverty. On X, Moms Stop the Harm posted, "BC never gave #decrim a fair chance. It is blamed for social issues that are the result of policy failure[s] resulting in a housing crisis & poverty." "Rather than address the real issues [Eby] found a convenient scapegoat. Our loved ones die," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Convenient scapegoat': British Columbia scraps drug decriminalisation experiment in a sudden move

Will a country allow drug addicts to 'officially' consume heroin and cocaine in&nbsp; rooms created by the government? Britain just did that, in a move to address drug-related deaths. UK authorities&nbsp;have cleared the way for erecting official consumption rooms for illegal drugs in a move aimed at "tackling the drug crisis."&nbsp;

This is a pilot scheme backed by the Scottish government. The first such room has appeared in the east end of Glasgow, where users can take drugs under the supervision of medical experts.

The plan was given an official nod on Wednesday (Sep 27) by&nbsp;Glasgow's Integration Joint Board.&nbsp;

<h2>Users won't be prosecuted</h2>

The project was in the pipeline for years but greenlit now after special law arrangements were made to exempt users from legal action for consuming illegal drugs in these rooms.

According to a report by BBC, users will be able to inject drugs at the Glasgow facility, but a different proposal which would have allowed users to smoke illegal substances was struck down.

Watch:&nbsp;How inflation is affecting the UK economy

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Dr Saket Priyadarshi, associate medical director of Glasgow alcohol and drug recovery services, was quoted by BBC as saying that she hopes to add those proposals as well in due course as "we move forward."

She also believes that the "project would reduce drug-related harms&nbsp;for individuals and provide them with opportunities for treatment, care and recovery".

<h2>Why official drug consumption rooms have been established in UK</h2>

The establishment of the consumption rooms is a key component of broader efforts undertaken by the Scottish government to address a crisis that has resulted in a higher per capita rate of fatalities than any other European region.

In 2020, the number of drug-related deaths reached a peak at 1,339.

There was&nbsp;a slight decline in 2021, followed by a significant drop of approximately 20 per cent&nbsp;in 2022, reducing the figure to 1,051.

However, recent preliminary data suggests a potential resurgence in these numbers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-charge-five-bulgarian-nationals-suspected-of-spying-for-russia-638384">Also read:&nbsp;UK to charge five Bulgarian nationals suspected of spying for Russia</a>

The initiative to create a consumption room enjoys support from members of the Scottish National Party, Labour, and Liberal Democrat politicians.

Nevertheless, the UK Home Office maintains its stance that there is no safe way to consume illegal drugs.

<h2>Users hail the project</h2>

As weird as the idea of this programme may sound, for drug users in the Glasgow area, the initiative is simply "brilliant".&nbsp;

Jade, 33, a drug user in the east end was quoted by BBC as saying that&nbsp;it was a "brilliant idea" which would "make a massive, massive difference".

"My ex-partner died of drugs. My dad died. He was an addict. My sister passed away. A lot of my friends have passed away," she added.

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Will a country allow drug addicts to 'officially' consume heroin and cocaine in rooms created by the government? Britain just did that, in a move to address drug-related deaths.

Will a country allow drug addicts to 'officially' consume heroin and cocaine in rooms created by the government? Britain just did that, in a move to address drug-related deaths. UK authorities have cleared the way for erecting official consumption rooms for illegal drugs in a move aimed at "tackling the drug crisis." This is a pilot scheme backed by the Scottish government. The first such room has appeared in the east end of Glasgow, where users can take drugs under the supervision of medical experts. The plan was given an official nod on Wednesday (Sep 27) by Glasgow's Integration Joint Board. Users won't be prosecuted The project was in the pipeline for years but greenlit now after special law arrangements were made to exempt users from legal action for consuming illegal drugs in these rooms. According to a report by BBC, users will be able to inject drugs at the Glasgow facility, but a different proposal which would have allowed users to smoke illegal substances was struck down. Watch: How inflation is affecting the UK economy × Dr Saket Priyadarshi, associate medical director of Glasgow alcohol and drug recovery services, was quoted by BBC as saying that she hopes to add those proposals as well in due course as "we move forward." She also believes that the "project would reduce drug-related harms for individuals and provide them with opportunities for treatment, care and recovery". Why official drug consumption rooms have been established in UK The establishment of the consumption rooms is a key component of broader efforts undertaken by the Scottish government to address a crisis that has resulted in a higher per capita rate of fatalities than any other European region. In 2020, the number of drug-related deaths reached a peak at 1,339. There was a slight decline in 2021, followed by a significant drop of approximately 20 per cent in 2022, reducing the figure to 1,051. However, recent preliminary data suggests a potential resurgence in these numbers. Also read: UK to charge five Bulgarian nationals suspected of spying for Russia The initiative to create a consumption room enjoys support from members of the Scottish National Party, Labour, and Liberal Democrat politicians. Nevertheless, the UK Home Office maintains its stance that there is no safe way to consume illegal drugs. Users hail the project As weird as the idea of this programme may sound, for drug users in the Glasgow area, the initiative is simply "brilliant". Jade, 33, a drug user in the east end was quoted by BBC as saying that it was a "brilliant idea" which would "make a massive, massive difference". "My ex-partner died of drugs. My dad died. He was an addict. My sister passed away. A lot of my friends have passed away," she added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Wait, what? UK sets up official consumption rooms to 'help' users take illegal drugs like cocaine

Scotland on Friday unveiled its plans to decriminalise the possession of all drugs for personal use, aiming to address the alarming drug death rate, which currently stands as the highest in Europe. Reuters reports that the devolved government in Edinburgh emphasised that these measures should be implemented by the British government in London, which has the authority to regulate drug-related matters within the UK's political structure.

<h2>What the Scotland government is proposing</h2>

The proposed policy change aims to shift the approach from criminalisation to treatment and support for individuals struggling with drug addiction.

By decriminalising drug possession, Scotland hopes to provide these individuals with the necessary assistance and increase their chances of finding employment during the recovery process.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-police-seize-cannabis-worth-146-mn-charge-over-450-people-in-massive-month-long-operation-613136">British police seize cannabis worth $146 mn, charge over 450 people in massive month-long operation</a>

Elena Whitham, Scotland's Minister for Drugs Policy, acknowledged that the proposals would spark debate but highlighted their alignment with the government's public health approach.

"While we know these proposals will spark debate, they are in line with our public health approach and would further our national mission to improve and save lives," said Whitham, in a statement.

"We are working hard within the powers we have to reduce drug deaths, and while there is more we need to do, our approach is simply at odds with the Westminster legislation we must operate within," she added.

Scotland's drug death rate remains a grave concern, with 327 deaths per million population in 2020. This figure significantly surpasses the next highest rate in Norway, which stood at 85, according to official statistics.

<h2>UK central government's stand</h2>

As per Reuters, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed the possibility of any policy change, affirming the government's commitment to maintaining its tough stance on drugs.

"There are no plans to alter our tough stance on drugs," said the spokesperson.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/captured-on-camera-body-cam-footage-from-biggest-jewellery-heist-in-us-history-reveals-unknown-facts-613098">Captured on camera: Body cam footage from biggest jewellery heist in US history reveals unknown facts</a>

The governing Scottish National Party, which advocates for Scottish independence, has been involved in clashes with the British government on other contentious issues, including a proposed gender recognition reform law.

<h2>Drug possession around the world</h2>

While drug possession is illegal in many parts of the world, several countries have already decriminalised various forms of drug possession — this includes Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland and Czechia.

Health experts argue that such measures would enable individuals struggling with addiction to be treated as patients rather than criminals, emphasising the importance of a public health-oriented approach.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Scotland on Friday unveiled its plans to decriminalise the possession of all drugs for personal use, aiming to address the alarming drug death rate, which currently stands as the highest in Europe.

Scotland on Friday unveiled its plans to decriminalise the possession of all drugs for personal use, aiming to address the alarming drug death rate, which currently stands as the highest in Europe. Reuters reports that the devolved government in Edinburgh emphasised that these measures should be implemented by the British government in London, which has the authority to regulate drug-related matters within the UK's political structure. What the Scotland government is proposing The proposed policy change aims to shift the approach from criminalisation to treatment and support for individuals struggling with drug addiction. By decriminalising drug possession, Scotland hopes to provide these individuals with the necessary assistance and increase their chances of finding employment during the recovery process. Also read | British police seize cannabis worth $146 mn, charge over 450 people in massive month-long operation Elena Whitham, Scotland's Minister for Drugs Policy, acknowledged that the proposals would spark debate but highlighted their alignment with the government's public health approach. "While we know these proposals will spark debate, they are in line with our public health approach and would further our national mission to improve and save lives," said Whitham, in a statement. "We are working hard within the powers we have to reduce drug deaths, and while there is more we need to do, our approach is simply at odds with the Westminster legislation we must operate within," she added. Scotland's drug death rate remains a grave concern, with 327 deaths per million population in 2020. This figure significantly surpasses the next highest rate in Norway, which stood at 85, according to official statistics. UK central government's stand As per Reuters, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed the possibility of any policy change, affirming the government's commitment to maintaining its tough stance on drugs. "There are no plans to alter our tough stance on drugs," said the spokesperson. Also read | Captured on camera: Body cam footage from biggest jewellery heist in US history reveals unknown facts The governing Scottish National Party, which advocates for Scottish independence, has been involved in clashes with the British government on other contentious issues, including a proposed gender recognition reform law. Drug possession around the world While drug possession is illegal in many parts of the world, several countries have already decriminalised various forms of drug possession — this includes Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland and Czechia. Health experts argue that such measures would enable individuals struggling with addiction to be treated as patients rather than criminals, emphasising the importance of a public health-oriented approach. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scotland proposes decriminalisation of drugs to tackle Europe's worst narcotics related death rate

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'National tragedy': Survey reveals 1 in 3 Americans affected by drug overdose deaths

Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021

'Convenient scapegoat': British Columbia scraps drug decriminalisation experiment in a sudden move

Wait, what? UK sets up official consumption rooms to 'help' users take illegal drugs like cocaine

Scotland proposes decriminalisation of drugs to tackle Europe's worst narcotics related death rate