|
Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
|
|
Abuse and Misuse Don Barnard Letters, Oldham Evening Chronicle Wednesday 28 Mar 2001 I must question Dr Paul Callow's use of the words substance misuse ("Addicts need more support", March 23). Drug misuse is defined as the non-medical use of drugs that are intended for use in medical treatment, and the use of drugs which have no acceptable medical purposes and a high potential for misuse - weekend takers, pill poppers and chasers. This should not be confused with drug abuse: the habitual use of drugs, to the extent that the desired effects become a dominant concern to the detriment of other aspects of their lives. That said, I am all for a policy that treats drug abusers as patients and not criminals. However I am concerned that "treatment not incarceration" as drug policy risks yet greater justification and public approval for stigmatising and removing from society those whose choices involve politically-incorrect, drug use, and doing so in a way that seems medical, and scientifically-justified. Until these sick people are cured, and can accept to live in the real world of responsibilties and duties, we will, out of the good of our own hearts, ensure that they get the treatment they need, for as long as it takes, seems a far more dangerous collective mind- set than "lock them up so they will know of our disapproval". The lack of succes for addiction treatment, noted by many researchers, will merely confirm the necessity to continue to demonise drug users ad infinitum, as the treatments will accomplish little, save to pacify the public and political consience of the nation. Even with our best and most expensive treatments, do not become cured let us be warned. Treatment not incarceration may turn out to be even worse than prohibition. Don Barnard Legalise Cannabis Alliance
After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.
|
This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.
Feel free to link to this page!