Pubdate: Wed, 25 Feb 2015 Source: Cowichan Valley Citizen (CN BC) Copyright: 2015 Cowichan Valley Citizen Contact: http://www.canada.com/cowichanvalleycitizen/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4349 FIRST STEP: TREAT ADDICTION AS MEDICAL PROBLEM In Canada, our model to deal with illegal drugs in our communities has historically been law enforcement-based. We treat people involved with drugs, including addicts, as criminals, first and foremost. This approach has been an abject failure, assuming the goal is to turn people away from abusing substances. Other countries use a much more medical-centred approach. In brief, the idea is that addicts don't belong in jail, they need treatment. It's past time that we consider formally switching our approach. The "tough on crime" die-hards often dismiss the medical-centred models as soft and "liberal" (as a pejorative), wrinkling their noses at the idea of turning away from the simple idea of locking undesirables away until, presumably, they've learned their lesson. This not only hasn't worked, it denies the nature of addiction. Drugs are seductive, both physically and mentally a ball and chain but also often the most pleasurable thing addicts have in their lives. Most people can't just give it up all on their own. Oh sure, almost anyone can be locked up in some kind of facility and forced to get clean. But if the underlying reasons for the addiction aren't addressed that is at best a temporary solution. Most addicts didn't start doing drugs because they're lives were so incredibly wonderful. As soon as they're free to do so, an addict will return to the drug that gave them an escape from their pain, as long as the pain is still there. They have to want to stop. Even then, quitting is an uphill battle. There are also larger societal issues at stake. If we don't address things like unemployment and homelessness at the same time as addiction we are doomed to failure in a large number of cases. Say an addict gets clean and is then abandoned by the system with no job and no place to call home. The chances of long-term success in such circumstances is an easy equation, with a dismal answer. It's not just an individual problem. There are many social costs to substance abuse, from health care to urban decay to policing costs. In desperation for money to get drugs, many addicts do turn to criminal activities, whether it's theft, prostitution or selling drugs themselves. And there is a place for law enforcement in the equation. There is no doubt that those who are making their money off the miserable disease of addiction deserve prison. We must do everything we can to stop the flow of drugs into our communities. A medical-based approach is no simple solution. There is no simple solution. It's only the first step. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt