Drug addicts need help, not condemnation. They need to be understood, not locked up. It would follow, therefore, that to encourage crime amongst addicts would make little sense. Or, that is what you might think would be government policy. However, it is not.
Apparently, if a drug addict is arrested, he is entitled to immediate treatment for his addiction (that is, within 24 hours) only if the offence he has committed is NOT drug-related. Hence, if he has mugged an elderly lady, for example, he will be treated immediately. Perversely, if he is picked up in possession of a banned substance, he will have to wait up to 10 days to receive treatment. Now, I do not know why this odd situation has arisen. It is, however, indefensible. I care for some drug addicts in the Thames Valley. The last thing that these individuals need is time in prison – a place not known for preventing drug abuse.
This government, and indeed any future Conservative government, must get its drug policies right. To not do so, is socially irresponsible. All of us must recognise that drug addiction is a problem that needs to be dealt with maturely and calmly. In particular, politicians must resist the temptation to resort to empty sound-bites about being “tough on drugs”. Young people – for let us remember the majority using these drugs are under thirty years – will see through the charade of this fake toughness. Interestingly, it is these young people that all parties need to encourage to vote. Maybe if we addressed this issue appropriately (and sensibly) younger people might consider voting for us? Proper policy implementation in the realm of drugs use may lead to both better treatment of addicts and less apathy on voting day.
March 27th, 2007 - 12:58 pm
I’m all for prohibition – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! Must dash its 50% off at Threshers! Two packs of 20, a bottle of Blue Nun and some Doritos for the lady please. Would you like a receipt with that Sir?
March 27th, 2007 - 3:37 pm
The ‘drug and alcohol service’ (DAS) does need more funding, for more staff, more support agencies and consistent patient care. Of course, nobody should be above the law, and if a crime has been committed then anyone (including addicts) must be subject to the usual criminal justice system. If an addict requires criminal detention, they may also require immediate medical assistance for withdrawal (hence within 24 hours). Overall, it’s important for addicts to be committed to any rehabilitation programme and not to feed impulsive behaviour. The DAS and education about drugs is of paramount importance for our generation. It may not be a glamorous topic to discuss, but one which I’m delighted to see more debate about. Michelle
March 3rd, 2009 - 7:11 am
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May 14th, 2010 - 3:44 pm
Pleased to see ALL drugs included in the above comments but how about addressing the reasons that canabis was banned in the first place so that the manufacturer of cotton ropes in the US could destroy his comepetitor who made hemp ropes. This is important because it could be that the reason for all drug control is simply commercial competition.
We should listen to everyone’s experience with drugs, the users, the profiteers, the scientists and all medical specialists including those outside of established bodies of opinion.
Thank you for this blog