Pubdate: Wed, 21 Aug 2013
Source: Herald, The (Everett, WA)
Copyright: 2013 The Daily Herald Co.
Contact:  http://www.heraldnet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/190
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n414/a02.html

DRUG WAR KEEPS ADDICTS FROM HELP

Regarding your Friday editorial, "Important wins for justice": 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, MPA Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom