DRUG ADDICTS NEED BETTER CARE

Given the extent of the heroin problem, perhaps policymakers should
consider increasing treatment options rather than falling back on "tough on
drugs" strategies that only compound the problem.

Would alcoholics seek help for their illness if doing so was tantamount to
confessing to criminal activity?

There is a middle ground between all-out legalisation and drug prohibition.
The trials, modelled after methadone maintenance programmes, have been
shown to reduce drug use and related crime, death, and disease among
chronic heroin users.

By registering Ireland's heroin addicts and providing them with
standardised doses in a treatment setting, the public health problems
associated with heroin could be eliminated.

Robert Sharpe
The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation
4455, Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC, USA