Pubdate: Thu, 08 Apr 2004 Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) Copyright: 2004 The Sydney Morning Herald Contact: http://www.smh.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/441 Author: Julia Irwin Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/area/Australia Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction) PRICING DRUGS OFF THE MARKET Ross Gittins overlooks one factor in his economist's analysis of illicit drug use. Gittins relates Don Weatherburn's explanation of the spike in crime caused by the switch to cocaine when the heroin drought hit but fails to explain the decline in crime that followed. More than 30,000 Australians now participate in methadone programs; that's nearly half of the number of heavy heroin users. While cocaine may have been a short-term substitute for some, methadone is an accessible and cheap substitute for the majority of heroin users. While Gittins focuses on the role of policing in reducing the supply of illicit drugs, he fails to acknowledge the role of harm minimisation strategies in reducing demand. The combined effect of reducing both supply and demand is leading to reduced crime rates. We need both strategies in place to develop a climate conducive to reducing illicit drug use. The real war on drugs is the battle fought every day by people addicted to illicit drugs. Julia Irwin, MP, Cabramatta, April 7. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake