Pubdate: Fri, 08 Aug 2014
Source: Independent  (UK)
Copyright: 2014 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.independent.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/209
Author: Niamh Eastwood
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

WHY HARM REDUCTION WORKS

The fact it has taken the Government years to pass legislation adding
foil to the list of paraphernalia drug workers can legally dispense is
another example of how the UK's drug laws are out of touch. This is
despite overwhelming evidence that moving people from injecting heroin
to smoking it is positive in terms of public health.

It is estimated that more than half of people who inject drugs in the
UK have hepatitis C, a debilitating condition that can be fatal.
Reducing its prevalence should be a priority but it has taken the Home
Office over a year to implement the recommendations of the Advisory
Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

The use of foil to change drug-using patterns is based on evidence.
Harm reduction works: the UK has one of the lowest rates of HIV among
injecting drug users.

The rhetoric from the current Government has seen a move away from
harm reduction to an abstinence-based ethos. Abstinence is not
achievable for everyone. We must promote policies which reduce harms
and do not further marginalise people who use drugs.

Niamh Eastwood is the executive director of the drugs charity Release.
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MAP posted-by: Matt