NEW APPROACH

Finally, we see a focus on the increase in violence by addicts
attempting to get their fix. This has been happening all around us for
years, but now, thanks to a Cape Breton police chief and the media, we
can stop denying its awful presence.

What are we to do? Give them their drug! We will all be safer when we
finally stop punishing drug addicts and allow them an affordable
supply of what they seek. It is called harm reduction and it is
working in some European countries. Let's end the war on drugs,
because we can't win it until we surrender. Just like the first step
in an addict's 12-step program, surrender is the key to victory.

Unlike what the province did when it applied the recent tax on
nicotine, the most deadly drug in existence, we must direct new taxes
on all addictive substances and gambling to education and treatment
programs. It is simple: STOP increasing taxes on alcohol, gambling,
prescription drugs and other addictive substances for any reason other
than to help addicts and ourselves get well. We will all be safer in
our homes and on our streets. After a short spike period, numbers of
addicts will go down, not up, with this approach. The war on drugs is
over, and we lost; it is time for a new approach.

Derek Toupin

Chignecto