International Criminal Law

International Criminal Law

A Comparative Study of Criminal Policy in Treatment of Chronic Addicts: Iran, United States and the Netherlands

Document Type : Original Article

Author
PhD Student in Private Law, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Homeless and substance-dependent individuals represent a significant social and criminal challenge in various societies, requiring effective criminal justice and treatment policies. This article aims to conduct a comparative study of criminal policies and treatment approaches for chronic addicts in Iran, the United States, and the Netherlands, identifying successful strategies and the challenges each country faces. The research method combines documentary analysis of national laws, treatment programs, and international reports. Findings indicate that Iran primarily adopts a punitive approach, with treatment programs facing cultural and structural limitations. In contrast, the United States emphasizes a combination of criminal justice measures and community-based treatment, aiming to reduce crime rates and recidivism among addicts. The Netherlands, however, employs a harm-reduction approach, prioritizing treatment and social rehabilitation, providing a successful model in mitigating the adverse effects of substance abuse. Comparative analysis demonstrates that integrating criminal and treatment-oriented approaches, tailored to the cultural and social context of each country, yields the most effective outcomes in reducing crime, improving public health, and facilitating rehabilitation. The article emphasizes that adopting flexible, evidence-based policies could offer an effective strategy for Iran, creating opportunities to reform legislation and treatment programs. Furthermore, this study lays the groundwork for future research on criminal policies and public health strategies, contributing to the broader understanding of best practices in managing chronic substance dependence within diverse socio-legal contexts.
Keywords

Volume 3, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 13-23

  • Receive Date 10 January 2025
  • Revise Date 16 March 2025
  • Accept Date 23 April 2025