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. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake