Narcotics law enforcement in Indonesia has traditionally been dominated by a retributive paradigm that prioritizes incarceration, contributing to severe prison overcapacity without addressing underlying drug dependency. This study analyzes the paradigm shift toward restorative justice for narcotics abusers categorized as victims. Utilizing a socio-legal approach, this research evaluates the efficacy of Attorney General Guidelines No. 18/2021 and Police Regulation (Perpol) No. 8/2021 in diverting criminal processes toward medical and social rehabilitation. Findings indicate that while the Integrated Assessment Team (TAT) provides a framework for humane treatment, systemic barriers—such as the scarcity of public rehabilitation facilities, inter-agency coordination challenges, and deep-seated societal stigma—persist. Evidence from local jurisdictions, such as the Bandung City Police (Polresta Bandung), suggests that localized, proactive training for investigators is pivotal in identifying candidates for restorative justice early in the investigation stage. The study concludes that strengthening rehabilitation infrastructure and harmonizing institutional perceptions are absolute prerequisites for transforming law enforcement into a recovery-oriented system.