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. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek