For most of my life - at least since I reached the age of reason - I've heard politicians talking about the "War on drugs." Every time someone new runs for office they say they have a "plan" to eliminate illicit drugs from our society. Yet, the other day I read that more than a million Fentanyl pills were confiscated in our state capitol, Phoenix. Supposedly it was a new record.
So what is going on with the war on drugs? How come drug addiction has been growing since the 1940s? Why are 60 to 70 percent of our prison beds occupied by those convicted of committing drug related crimes?
Well, for sure part of the reason is politics. I mean only a small percentage of the population is concerned about the drug issue. And those are most likely the people who have family members suffering from addictions of some kind - whether it be alcohol or drugs. Yet, even though addiction and alcoholism are classified as diseases, our government's answer generally comes down on the side of putting substance abusers in jail. But, is there another solution?
Well, yes. A few countries have taken bold steps and decriminalized drugs for personal use. Among these are Switzerland and Portugal. And they have seen positive results such as a lowering of AIDs cases and the population of their jails getting lower. And Vancouver, British Columbia, has a clinic where addicts can legally obtain heroin under conditions similar to Methadone clinics that operate in the United States.
Another curious thing about this country is that most states have very stringent laws that hamper entrepreneurs that operate recovery centers or homes. Rather than support these efforts, many states have prohibitive regulations that make it difficult or nearly impossible for addicts to get help. Thus, they end up either homeless or in jail. And continue to use drugs.
The last report I heard on drug deaths here in Arizona, was that five people a day die from opiate overdoses. Other states report similar statistics.
I believe the only solution is some kind of decriminalization coupled with substance abuse treatment programs that are affordable to all.
Until steps are taken, the plague of addiction will continue on its historic upward trend.
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