Pubdate: Mon, 01 Apr 2002 Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA) Copyright: 2002 PG Publishing Contact: http://www.post-gazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/341 Author: Mathieu Ahlstrom THE 'RADICAL' DUTCH DRUG POLICY MAKES SENSE It was with a breaking heart I read the article regarding teens fighting heroin addiction ("Heroin's Hold," March 24). This is a story that just won't go away, resurfacing whenever an especially potent batch of heroin comes through the area. I applaud the efforts made by the government in supporting Act 53, giving parents some crucial assistance in getting help for their addicted children. Treatment is a large part of the solution, but as the article explains, it is the entry into hard drug use that is a large part of the problem. As a former Pittsburgher now living in the Netherlands, I have been able to witness firsthand the results of the "radical" Dutch drug policy. The Dutch are very pragmatic about drug use, recognizing the different layers of use and addiction, as well as access. The decision to tolerate soft drugs (primarily marijuana) was aimed directly at keeping young experimenters away from hard drugs. The policy has worked so far -- the average age of a heroin addict is now in the 40s. Everybody agrees that staying substance-free -- including alcohol and nicotine -- is the healthiest way to lead a life. The reality, of course, is far different. The Dutch government has taken perhaps the most comprehensive, rational and humane approach to drug policy, with generally good results. No system is perfect, and it is easy to point out small flaws, but for the health of the community and reduction in crime rates, it has been very successful. One wonders why the United States continues to throw money at a war that just cannot be won with the current strategy; treatment is just the beginning. MATHIEU AHLSTROM, Delft, Netherlands - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager