Teaching Note—No Peace Without Justice: Addressing the United States’ War on Drugs in Social Work Education

ABSTRACT

The United States’ War on Drugs encompasses a body of legislation characterized by punitive approaches to drug control. These policies have resulted in escalating incarceration rates and have extracted a particularly harsh toll on low-income people of color. This article argues that education on the War on Drugs is essential for effective practice with people affected by addictions and is also an important social justice issue. It is thus the responsibility of educators to incorporate a critical examination of drug policy into course work. Strategies for addressing drug policy in social work education are provided, including the use of guest speakers and multimedia presentations, case study assignments that prompt students to examine the intersection of policy and practice, and international drug policy comparisons.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth A. Bowen

Elizabeth A. Bowen is assistant professor at University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Helen Redmond is adjunct lecturer at New York University.

Helen Redmond

Elizabeth A. Bowen is assistant professor at University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Helen Redmond is adjunct lecturer at New York University.