Pubdate: Fri, 25 Sep 2009
Source: Age, The (Australia)
Page: 14
Copyright: 2009 The Age Company Ltd
Contact:  http://www.theage.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n883/a04.html
Author: Bill Stronach

LIFE-SAVING STRATEGY

ALEX Wodak (Comment & Debate, 24/9) is correct. If our first concern
is to save lives, then prescribing heroin to people who are unable to
cease their problematic use of it makes medical and humane sense. Good
medicine, good public policy and the generally accepted view that
caring for our fellow human beings is desirable means we must listen
to the science.

As Wodak says, the research findings are strong. Prescribed heroin as
a medical intervention will reduce crime, public health risks and
drug-related harm, help stabilise difficult lifestyles and save lives.

Bill Stronach, Doncaster
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake