Pubdate: Wed, 09 May 2007
Source: Tribune Star (Terre Haute, IN)
Copyright: 2007 Tribune-Star Publishing Co. Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribstar.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/448
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n554/a09.html
Author: Robert Sharpe

A BETTER WAY TO CONTROL DRUG ABUSE

Arthur Foulkes' May 1 column was right on target. Attempts to limit 
the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only 
increase the profitability of drug trafficking. For addictive drugs 
like heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to 
increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits. The drug war 
doesn't fight crime, it fuels crime.

With alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor bootleggers no longer gun 
each other down in drive-by shootings, nor do consumers go blind 
drinking unregulated bathtub gin. While U.S. politicians ignore the 
drug war's historical precedent, European countries are embracing 
harm reduction, a public health alternative based on the principle 
that both drug abuse and prohibition have the potential to cause harm.

Examples of harm reduction include needle exchange programs to stop 
the spread of HIV, marijuana regulation aimed at separating the hard 
and soft drug markets, and treatment alternatives that do not require 
incarceration as a prerequisite. Unfortunately, fear of appearing 
"soft on crime" compels many politicians to support a failed drug war 
that ultimately subsidizes organized crime. Drug abuse is bad, but 
the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman