Pubdate: Thu, 27 Nov 2014
Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 Cornwall Standard Freeholder
Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/letters
Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169
Author: Robert Sharpe
Page: A6
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n886/a06.html

DRUG WAR IMPORTANT TO ADDICTION BATTLE

Re: "Addiction awareness will require all of us," Nov. 18, 2014.

Regarding Fred Rinne's column, when it comes to battling addiction, 
the drug war is part of the problem.

Illegal drug users are reluctant to seek medical attention in the 
event of an overdose for fear of being charged with a crime. Drug war 
enforcement results in preventable deaths. Rehabilitation also is confounded.

Turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be dramatically lower 
if alcoholism were treated as a crime rather than a medical 
condition. Eliminating the penalties associated with illicit drug use 
would encourage the type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate 
rehabilitation and save lives.

Canada used to be a global leader in harm reduction at a time when 
the United States was building a massive prison-industrial complex. 
Those roles have reserved. Prime Minister Stephen Harper 
unfortunately seems intent on ratcheting up the drug war in Canada.

Robert Sharpe,

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington DC
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom