Pubdate: Sat, 24 Aug 2013
Source: Houston Chronicle (TX)
Copyright: 2013 Houston Chronicle Publishing Company Division, Hearst Newspaper
Contact:  http://www.chron.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/198
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n419/a01.html

DRUG POLICY AND PENALTIES

Regarding "Feds should follow" (Page B11, Sunday), the drug war is 
part of the problem. Illegal drug users are reluctant to seek medical 
attention in the event of an overdose for fear of being charged with 
a crime. Attempting to save the life of a friend could result in a 
murder charge. Overzealous drug war enforcement results in preventable deaths.

Rehabilitation also is confounded. I think it's safe to say that 
turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather low if 
alcoholism were a crime pursued with zero-tolerance zeal.

Eliminating the penalties associated with illicit drug use would 
encourage the type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate 
rehabilitation and save lives.

Robert Sharpe, polcy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy, Washington, DC.
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