Portugal's alternative response to drug addiction sparks global interest

While many European countries are struggling to tackle a rise in drug trafficking and drug use, some are looking to Portugal for inspiration on how to successfully reform their judicial and medical response. In July 2001, Portugal decriminalised the personal use and possession of all illegal drugs. Twenty years later, the country has become an example to the rest of the world, showing that avant-garde reforms can reap results. Drug users are no longer treated as criminals, but rather as patients.