ALEX Wodak (Comment & Debate, 24/9) is correct. If our first concern is to save lives, then prescribing heroin to people who are unable to cease their problematic use of it makes medical and humane sense. Good medicine, good public policy and the generally accepted view that caring for our fellow human beings is desirable means we must listen to the science. As Wodak says, the research findings are strong. Prescribed heroin as a medical intervention will reduce crime, public health risks and drug-related harm, help stabilise difficult lifestyles and save lives. Bill Stronach, Doncaster [end]
It verges on the immoral that the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board should urge Australia to focus on long-term strategies of reducing illicit drug supply and demand at the expense of saving lives today (``UN hits heroin room,'' Daily Telegraph, February 21). Any responsible, comprehensive policy to manage drug misuse includes supply-reduction, demand-reduction and harm-reduction strategies. Australia has an ongoing commitment to these three strands, although sometimes the allocation of funds is less than balanced. The UN report states the obvious -- harm-reduction strategies such as needle and syringe exchanges, or supervised injecting facilities, or prescribed heroin, will not reduce drug use immediately for those who are heavily dependent. That is not the aim. But these sorts of strategies will, and do, keep people alive and this offers the hope of future treatment and support. [continues 115 words]
It is disappointing and frustrating to read the comments (The Advertiser, 11/7/00) about supervised injecting places made by the International Narcotics and Control Board. It highlights the misunderstanding of the reasons for establishing these facilities in the first place. Supervised injecting places "will not contribute to the reduction of drug abuse and trafficking" (their words). That is not the objective. In the case of supervised injecting facilities, the objectives are clear: to save the lives of those who inject drugs in public places and to provide them with access to treatment and other support services; to provide a safer environment for everyone, with reduced risks like discarded needles or inappropriate behavior in public. These objectives can be measured. Any sensible strategy to address drug use and misuse must have strong education, treatment and law enforcement components working together and adequately resourced. [continues 81 words]
It is disappointing and frustrating to read the comments about supervised injecting places made by the International Narcotics and Control Board (11/7). They highlight the misunderstanding of the reasons for establishing these facilities in the first place. Supervised injecting places the board says, "will not contribute to the reduction of drug abuse and trafficking". That is not the objective. In the case of supervised injecting facilities, the objectives are clear: to save the lives of those who inject drugs in public places and to provide them with access to treatment and other support services; to provide a safer environment for everyone, with reduced risks such as discarded needles or inappropriate behaviour in public. These objectives can be measured. [continues 104 words]
IT is most unfortunate that Mr Hinch chooses to be emotive and accusatory in responding to the proposed trial of supervised injecting places. To suggest that those with different opinions to Mr Hinch's are insensitive to the needs of the victims is also divisive - particularly to a community which must work together to seek better solutions to a difficult problem. I share Mr Hinch's concern and compassion for the victims of drug misuse - the families, victims of crime and the like. But we must have compassion for those who are addicted to drugs. [continues 269 words]
It is a sad day when a courageous decision to establish an injecting facility (with health support services) is condemned as "sending the wrong message" by those who should know better. For years the Australian Drug Foundation has supported those who have led a courageous and informed campaign, urging governments to trial and evaluate new strategies to reduce drug-related harm and death. Old strategies have had minimal effect. Heroin-related deaths continue to rise. This stance is neither condoning drug use nor taking the easy option. It is simply being practical, humane and striving to protect public health. [continues 62 words]
