Pubdate: Sat, 05 Jan 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Dave Michon
Note: Parethetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n012/a05.html

POLICING DISEASE

Staff-Sgt. Roger Chaffin's suggestion ("Police eye addict court," Jan. 3.) 
is probably better than the usual drug war express line in courts but what 
really is the sense in an addict court?

The American Medical Association has called addiction a disease for decades 
and it is accepted fact that addiction is "characterized" (defined) by 
re-lapse to drug use.

Obviously, neurobiology is involved. Instead of all these billions for 
police, prisons, and courts, we should be use the money to find a real cure 
for addiction. After all, it is only fair, if we must have "addict court," 
that we try "cancer court," "AIDS court," and courts to handle the rest of 
the difficult medical challenges.

Dave Michon

(Victims of those ailments don't commit violent crimes.)
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MAP posted-by: Beth