BREAKING THE HABIT

PRESSURE is on again for Victoria to follow NSW by introducing legal heroin
injecting rooms.

The call comes from the Law Institute in Victoria, which argues that the
heroin toll will continue to rise without drastic law reforms.

But many people continue to support Prime Minister John Howard’s view that
such a move would amount to official condoning of drug abuse.

An overwhelming majority of Australians do not abuse heroin. Most would be
concerned if its use were made easier.

The state has a moral obligation to help the victims. But if they refuse it,
that is no reason for the state to help them continue their habit.

Many people argue that instead of safe injecting rooms, the state should
adopt a system that requires drug users to undergo treatment.