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. 2022 May 13;19(1):45.
doi: 10.1186/s12954-022-00621-9.

Understanding Vietnam's drug policy for amphetamine-type stimulants misuse

Mai Thi Ngoc Tran  1   2   3 , Michael P Dunne  4   5   6 , Giang Minh Le  7 , Hoe Dinh Han  7 , Trang Thu Nguyen  7 , Hai Thanh Luong  8 , Quang Hung Luong  9 , Ha Nguyen Pham  10 , Philip Baker  4   5
Affiliations

Understanding Vietnam's drug policy for amphetamine-type stimulants misuse

Mai Thi Ngoc Tran et al. Harm Reduct J. .

Abstract

Introduction: The emergence of widespread amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) usage has created significant challenges for drug control and treatment policies in Southeast Asian countries. This study analyses the development of drug policies and examines current treatment program constraints in Vietnam to deal with ATS misuse. The aim was to gain insights that may be useful for national and international drug-related policy development and revision.

Methods: A desk review of national policy documents and 22 in-depth key informant interviews were conducted from 2019 to 2021. Thematic content analysis was employed to identify key themes and their connections.

Results: Analysis identified Vietnam's 30-year history of developing policies and formulating strategies to reduce supply, demand, and harm from illicit drugs. With the increasing number of people who use ATS (PWUA), Vietnam has recently promoted harsh policy and law enforcement to deter drug use and supply. This policy trend prevails in many Asian countries. The three main constraints in dealing with ATS misuse emerged from punitive and restrictive drug policies. First, the general public believed that Centre-based compulsory treatment (CCT) is the only appropriate treatment for all types of illicit drug addiction despite its low-quality service provision. The rigid drug policy has led to social persuasion with impractical expectations for CCT effectiveness. Second, the emphasis on punishment and detention has hampered new drug treatment service development in Vietnam. CCT has become monopolistic in the context of impoverished services. Third, people who use drugs tend to hide their needs and avoid formal treatment and support services, resulting in declined social coherence.

Conclusion: While new drugs are constantly evolving, the current law enforcement approach potentially constrains expertise to adopt effective treatment services. This study suggests that the top-down policing mechanism presently hinders the development of an appropriate intervention strategy for ATS misuse and diminishes social support to service providers.

Keywords: Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs); Drug policy; Law enforcement; Vietnam.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Milestones of drug policy development in Vietnam
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Managing people who use ATS following the Vietnam’s 2021 drug law
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Law enforcement in Vietnam
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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