Pubdate: Mon, 09 Nov 2015
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2015 The New York Times Company
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Stephen Gutwillig
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n611/a06.html

WHITE ATTITUDES ON HEROIN ADDICTION

To the Editor:

In addition to replacing cruel, judgmental attitudes about strangers 
and loved ones who struggle with addiction, we should change our 
overall approach to drug prevention and stop criminalizing drug 
possession outright.

Many prescription overdose deaths and most heroin overdose deaths are 
in combination with another sedative, usually alcohol. That makes 
these terrible accidents all the more preventable.

Replacing fear-based prevention messages, especially aimed at young 
people, with reality-based information can keep them safe if they 
ignore appeals to abstain. Thousands of Americans die needlessly 
because they weren't warned in plain language not to mix heroin or 
pain pills with alcohol.

Moreover, we need to stop arresting people for possessing small 
amounts of any drug if they aren't behind the wheel of a car. 
Punishment doesn't cure addiction. It often worsens it.

Decriminalizing drug possession does not affect rates of drug use. 
What it does do is remove obstacles to treating addiction as a health 
issue, reduce arrests and reduce the billions spent on criminal 
justice. As long as drug use remains a crime, people will be afraid 
to seek help.

STEPHEN GUTWILLIG

Deputy Exec. Director, Programs

Drug Policy Alliance

Los Angeles
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