HOW TO BEAT HEROIN

Sir: The practice of prescribing pharmaceutical grade heroin to addicts was
standard in Britain from the 1920s to the 1960s ("Britain's first heroin
shooting gallery' set to open", 30 September). In response to political
pressure from the United States, prescription heroin maintenance was
discontinued in 1971. The loss of a controlled distribution system and
creation of an unregulated black market allowed the number of heroin users
to skyrocket.

The tough-on-some-drugs approach favoured by the US is a threat to public
safety. Attempts to limit the supply of drugs while demand remains constant
only increase the profitability of drug trafficking. In terms of addictive
drugs like heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to
increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits.

Switzerland's heroin maintenance trials have been shown to reduce
drug-related disease, death and crime among chronic addicts. If expanded,
heroin maintenance would deprive organised crime of a core client base.
This would render illegal heroin trafficking unprofitable and spare future
generations addiction.

ROBERT SHARPE

Program Officer

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, DC