AN ANSWER TO A LETTER ON CRACK

Clifford A. Schaffer (Director, Schaffer Library of Drug Policy -
Aqua Dulce, California sent both the editor and myself a letter after
my last column. In this letter he states: "If violence is common"
with cocaine use then perhaps Mr. Bertrand will explain why
cocaine-related violence and crime was essentially unknown before
cocaine was outlawed. It is correct as he says, the cocaine was sold
over the counter at one time. There were no restrictions at all on
cocaine. Cocaine was included in lots of common medicines, and even
soda pop. Kids could buy it as easily as they can buy Aspirin today.
There weren't even any labeling requirements so people didn't even
know what they were taking."

"Even under those conditions, there was no cocaine-related crime or
violence. The cocaine crime and violence did not start until cocaine
was outlawed."

In answer to Mr. Schaffer I would like to quote a portion of a report
written by Brookoff, O'Brien, Cook, et al., 1997 and Landry, 1992.
They write: "In a study of domestic violence, researchers found that
67% of the perpetrators had used cocaine the day of the incident and
virtually all of those had also used alcohol. Interviews and research
seem to indicate that cocaethylene (an active metabolite when cocaine
and alcohol are taken together) induces greater agitation, euphoria
and violence." It is important to note that in this statement the
legality or illegality of cocaine is a moot point. It is not even mentioned.

A 28 year-old female recovering crack abuser states; "My mate
hallucinated from smoking too much, thinking I was trying to do his
brothers, and I got my face damaged badly because of his
hallucinations. He slammed my face into concrete." In this statement
the alcohol wasn't even present. The legal aspects of cocaine don't
even come into play.

Mr. Schaffer does make an interesting point. There is probably a
plethora of reasons why violence has escalated since cocaine was made illegal.

Gangs control much of the cocaine trade. They are responsible for
managing the proper distribution of their product, hence if they feel
their down-line are ripping them off, they will use violence to send
a message to others. This results in gratuitous violence as a means of control.

After all, one must protect one's interests. More cocaine is on the streets.

The American Council for Drug Education writes: "Increased risk of
traumatic injury from accidents and aggressive, violent, or criminal behavior."

We should note that Cocaine was first isolated from the coca leaf in
the late 1800s. It quickly became popular as an ingredient in patent
medicines (throat lozenges, tonics, etc.) and other products (e.g.,
Coca Cola, from which it was later removed). Concern soon mounted due
to instances of addiction, psychotic behavior, convulsion, and death.
A series of steps, including passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of
1906, were taken to combat health and behavioral problems associated
with the use of cocaine and other drugs. Finally, the Harrison Act of
1914 was enacted, outlawing the use of cocaine and opiates in
over-the-counter products and making these drugs available only by
prescription. Cocaine use soon dropped dramatically and remained at
minimal levels for nearly half a century. It continued to be used as
a local anesthetic in eye, nose, and throat surgery, however, and
still is used today. It rebounded in the 60's and 70's and took on a
life of it's own by the mid 80's.

I have worked with many individuals addicted to crack cocaine. Nearly
all of them experienced psychotic episodes which resulted in violent
outbursts. Some of these outbursts resulted in murder. Others were
less traumatic. The victims of these episodes of violence suffer
daily from the fears inflicted on them mentally because of the
behaviour of the perpetrators.

Violence is not always a by product of prohibition. If an individual
has a predisposition to violent behaviour, smoking crack cocaine will
greatly influence aggressive outbursts. Mix the crack with alcohol,
and we end up with a totally volatile combination.

If you require any help with addictive behaviours, please contact one
of the agencies listed below.

You may contact me at (250) 613-2667, mailing address: PO Box 1150,
Fort St. James, BC V0J 1P0 or email me at adventuresinrecovery@yahoo.com.

Counselling services in Fort St. James are:

. Fort Alcohol & Drug Services 250-996-8411

. Nechako Valley Community Services 250-996-7645

. Nak'azdli Health Centre 250-996-7400

. Tl'azt'en Nation Health Centre 250-648-3350

. Adventures in Recovery Counselling (866) 613-2667