Pubdate: Thu, 16 Jun 2016
Source: Yorkshire Post (UK)
Copyright: 2016 Johnston Press New Media
Contact: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/contactus.aspx
Website: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2239

WAR ON DRUGS HAS FAILED AND USE SHOULD BE DECRIMINALISED SAY TWO HEALTH BODIES

THE 'WAR on drugs" has failed in terms of public health and drug use 
should be decriminalised, two leading organisations have said.

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) and the Faculty of Public 
Health (FPH) said the personal possession and use of all illegal 
drugs should no longer be considered a criminal offence.

While the bodies still support criminal charges for people who deal 
drugs, they said users should instead be referred for treatment and help.

The recommendation is made in a new UK-wide report, Taking a New Line 
on Drugs, which has the backing of several charities and law 
enforcement officials.

It is accompanied by a poll of more than 2,000 adults which found 56 
per cent agreed drug users should be referred for treatment instead 
of facing charges.

The report calls for evidence-based drugs education for young people 
in schools as part of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.

It also said the responsibility for a drugs strategy should be moved 
from the Home Office to the Department of Health.

Criminalising users leads to long-term harm such as greater exposure 
to drugs in prison, it argued. Furthermore, family relationships are 
severely harmed and people face exclusion from education and employment.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom