<![CDATA[Rehabilitation for drug addicts and victims of drug abuse is a criminal law policy that prioritizes a restorative approach as part of the criminal justice system. Despite its legal basis, the implementation of the rehabilitation policy still faces various obstacles that affect the effectiveness of legal protection for drug addicts. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the rehabilitation policy for drug addicts by the National Narcotics Agency of North Sumatra Province, identify obstacles to its implementation, and formulate efforts to optimize the rehabilitation policy from a criminal law perspective. This research uses an empirical juridical method with a legislative approach and a field approach. Data were obtained through a review of primary and secondary legal materials, supported by interviews and observations. The results indicate that the implementation of the rehabilitation policy at the National Narcotics Agency of North Sumatra has been carried out through an integrated assessment mechanism, medical and social rehabilitation, and cross-sectoral collaboration. However, its effectiveness is still affected by low public awareness of rehabilitation, the strong stigma against drug addicts, limited inter-agency coordination, and the suboptimal use of rehabilitation as an alternative solution for eligible addicts. The research findings confirm that the success of rehabilitation policies is not solely determined by legal substance, but also influenced by institutional effectiveness, inter-institutional coordination, and the legal culture of the community. This research contributes to strengthening drug addict rehabilitation policies by emphasizing the importance of optimizing a rehabilitative approach as part of criminal law policies oriented toward protecting the rights, restoring, and social reintegration of drug addicts.]]>
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