Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 Source: Record, The (Kitchener, CN ON) Copyright: 2014 Metroland Media Group Ltd. Contact: http://www.therecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/225 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n590/a03.html Author: Robert Sharpe Page: A10 FAULT WAR ON DRUGS Re: Good Samaritan immunity law could save lives - July 14 Regarding Kayla Follett's thoughtful commentary, 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 easily 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 Policy analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt