How to tame an epidemic of addiction:
Our addiction epidemic is a massive public health and law enforcement debacle. Unfortunately, our laws are backfiring; instead of preventing or reducing drug abuse, they are harming the community at large and ensuring a lucrative market enterprising gang members and cartels.
The result of the war on drugs is rampant petty theft and identity theft, to pay for drugs whose price is determined by the black market. This “business model” makes it possible for young people with limited career options to instantly become “players” with cash to burn, and a lifestyle that seems irresistible: endless partying, no boss, no limits. And all the dope you can use. But if you get busted, as a felon you will never be able to work in legitimate business again.
Our laws and attitudes toward addiction are radically incompatible with the science. Addiction is a disease, with biological, genetic basis and biopsychosocial symptoms. Yet we treat addicts punitively, as if they could stop using because of punishment, which of course is false. Our laws are also out of step with history: think of Prohibition. We must revise the laws to permit addicts to register, and purchase at cost, their drug of choice. At one stroke we will decimate the drug dealing black market and the theft epidemic. We can then use those resources to treat those addicts who want help.
Don Dillinger, M.D.
Snohomish
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