Pubdate: Tue, 10 Jun 2008
Source: Daily Record (UK)
Copyright: 2008 Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/111

WE MUST LOOK AT EVERY OPTION

THERE is no point in having a think-tank unless the  members are
allowed to consider what many may regard as  the unthinkable.

But the report by the Scottish Futures Forum onour drug  problem makes
alarming reading.

They have suggested "shooting galleries" where addicts  can take their
heroin, removing the problem from the  streets.

The report also suggests that in the future, cannabis  is taxed and
regulated.

The report suggests that to beat drugs we may have to  "go to
uncomfortable places".

It is difficult for politicians to even consider drug  consumption
rooms and public opinion is probably a very  long way off embracing
such a radical suggestion.

But clearly not enough has been done in the past and  not enough is
being done at present.

Scotland has the highest drug-related death rate in  Europe - more
than one a day. And we have one of the  highest rates of hepatitis
C.

Recent figures proved that there are vast amounts of  drugs swilling
about Scotland.

Seizures of crack cocaine are up 300 per cent.

Cocaine seizures are up by 80 per cent. Heroin hauls  are also up 17
per cent.

There are 50,000 addicts in Scotland and 40,000-60,000  youngsters are
affected by parental drug misuse.

The Scottish government recently launched a national  drugs strategy.
More education, especially for the very  young, is absolutely crucial.

And more help is being promised for those who really do  want to
escape their addiction with a move away from  the methadone programme.

There has been limited evidence of the success of  heroin
prescriptions and shooting galleries.

All shades of politicial opinion responded negatively  yesterday,
probably a fair reflection of the views of  ordinary people.

The radical suggestions may have no place in Scotland -  but we do
have a responsibility to examine every  option.
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MAP posted-by: Derek