Pubdate: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON) Copyright: 2014 Cornwall Standard Freeholder Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/letters Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169 Author: Robert Sharpe Page: A6 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n886/a06.html DRUG WAR IMPORTANT TO ADDICTION BATTLE Re: "Addiction awareness will require all of us," Nov. 18, 2014. Regarding Fred Rinne's column, when it comes to battling addiction, 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. Drug war enforcement results in preventable deaths. Rehabilitation also is confounded. Turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be dramatically lower if alcoholism were treated as a crime rather than a medical condition. Eliminating the penalties associated with illicit drug use would encourage the type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate rehabilitation and save lives. Canada used to be a global leader in harm reduction at a time when the United States was building a massive prison-industrial complex. Those roles have reserved. Prime Minister Stephen Harper unfortunately seems intent on ratcheting up the drug war in Canada. Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington DC - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom