In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drugs , including cocaine and heroine. While distribution is still illegal , those caught with personal possession’s are referred to clinics.After these moves , drug addiction dropped to 50% and drug use is lowest amongst europe

In 2001, Portugal decriminalized the personal possession and use of all drugs, including cocaine and heroin, shifting from a criminal justice approach to a public health-oriented model. This policy has led to notable improvements, such as significant reductions in drug-related deaths and HIV infections among people who inject drugs, alongside stable or decreased drug use rates, particularly among adolescents. However, the claim that drug addiction dropped by 50% and that Portugal now has the lowest drug use rates in Europe is not conclusively supported by available data. While problematic drug use has declined, specific figures like a 50% reduction are difficult to substantiate due to variations in data collection methods, and Portugal’s drug use rates, although relatively low, are not the lowest in Europe. Could you provide more context or sources to support your assertion about the 50% reduction and Europe’s lowest drug use rates? These would help clarify and validate the claim.