The results were anything but; in only 10 years, the number of addicts went from 100,000 to just half that, and drug usage rates in Portugal are now among the lowest of EU member states.
To clarify, decriminalizing is not the same as legalizing. Instead, it is still illegal to use, possess, make, or distribute drugs. As well, it's still illegal to distribute and traffic drugs. Possessing drugs, though, is no longer a criminal offense.
People charged with drug possession are heard in a special court where each offender's unique situation is judged by legal experts, psychologists, and social workers.
Drug-related diseases and overdoses have actually been cut down even more than simple usage. A lot of this probably has to do with drug users being treated as people with a medical condition rather than criminals. As an example, over half of all US inmates are incarcerated for drug convictions.
Icelandic people also have the opportunity to get help without the threat of legal action, which must have to do with these decreased rates seen in Portugal.
Maybe the rest of the world should pay more attention to Portugal's drug policies.
