Why People Who Hate Drugs Should Want to End the Drug War - Polidicks

[quote]Many people hate drugs. It is easy to see why. Most families have had a loved one with a problematic relationship to alcohol or other drugs. People who struggle with drug problems can cause incredible pain to themselves and their loved ones. Broken marriages, loss of jobs, incarceration and even dying from an overdose are all possible tragic consequences of serious drug problems.While it might be counterintuitive, people who hate drugs should be at the forefront of ending our nation's failed drug war. The drug war makes all of the problems I mentioned above much worse. [B]Drug War = Mass Incarceration and Lack of Treatment [/B] Let's start with people struggling with drug misuse or addiction. Our drug war doesn't keep drugs out of the hands of people who want drugs; drugs are as plentiful as ever. But getting caught with drugs can land someone in a cage for many years. Spending time behind bars is not the way to help someone who has drug problem and most likely will make that person more traumatized. The sad fact is that we spend [URL="http://www.globalcommissionondrugs.org/wp-content/themes/gcdp_v1/pdf/Global_Com_Bryan_Stevenson.pdf"]50,000 dollars a year incarcerating someone for a drug offense[/URL], yet at the same time there is not enough money to offer treatment to people who want it. [B] Drug War = More Overdose and More Dying [/B] People who have lost a loved one to an overdose feel an unimaginable pain and often want to wipe drugs off the face of the earth. Tragically, the drug war leads to many such deaths. Despite 40-plus years trying to eliminate drug use, there is an overdose crisis in this country right now. [URL="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6101a3.htm"]Overdose[/URL] is now almost neck-and-neck with [URL="http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/acc-inj.htm"]car accidents[/URL] as the leading cause of accidental death in the country. Most people who experience an overdose are with friends when it happens and would survive if someone called 911. But because of our drug war, people often don't call 911 because they are too afraid that the police will show up and arrest them. It is outrageous that we discourage people from calling 911 to save a life because of laws that pit their interest to help someone who is ODing against their motivation to not be arrested. Another way to potentially save people who are overdosing on an opioid is to provide them with an antidote called [URL="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6106a1.htm"]naloxone[/URL], which can reverse the effects and [URL="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/science/11hero.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0"]restore normal breathing[/URL] in two to three minutes if administered following an opioid overdose. Unfortunately our society does not come close to doing enough to make naloxone available to people who use drugs and their friends and families. [B] Drug War = Unsafe Neighborhoods [/B] People who live in neighborhoods with drug dealing out in the open and with violence associated with the drug trade are some of the most vocal supporters of the drug war. Of course people want and need to feel safe in their neighborhoods. But most "drug-related" violence stems not from drug use, but from drug prohibition. That was true in Chicago under alcohol kingpin Al Capone, and it is true now. The killings and violence in many U.S. cities are not from marijuana or other drug use, but because prohibition makes the plants worth more than gold, and people are willing to kill each other over the profits to be made. [B] Drug War = More Danger for Our Children[/B] Many people may know the drug war is a failure but are afraid of change course because they worry about their children and want to keep them safe. Ironically, the drug war is a complete failure when it comes to keeping young people from using drugs. Despite decades of DARE programs with the simplistic "Just Say No" message, [URL="http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/parents_marijuana_brochure.pdf"]44 percent of teenagers[/URL] will try marijuana before they graduate and nearly [URL="http://monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/monographs/vol1_2009.pdf"]75 percent will drink alcohol[/URL]. Young people often claim it is easier for them to get marijuana than alcohol because drug dealers don't check IDs. Young people also feel the brunt of marijuana enforcement and make up many (and in some places most) of the arrests for marijuana offenses. Arresting young people will often cause more damage than drug use itself. Teenagers need honest drug education to help them make responsible decisions. Safety should be the number one priority. We have [URL="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/20/usa-smoking-youth-idUSL1E8NJLJ920121220"]dramatically reduced teen smoking[/URL] without tobacco prohibition and without a single arrest. [B] Drug Abuse Is Bad. The Drug War Is Worse [/B] There is no doubt that drugs have ruined a lot of people's lives. It is understandable why many people hate drugs and want to protect their families. But when you looks at the greatest harms from drugs, the drug war and prohibition almost always make the problem much worse -- and make our families and communities much less safe. We need the people who hate drugs to actively join the movement to end the war on drugs. Because the war on drugs is a war on all of us. [I]Tony Newman is the director of media relations at the Drug Policy Alliance ([URL="http://www.drugpolicy.org"]www.drugpolicy.org[/URL])[/I][/quote]Source: [URL]http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tony-newman/why-people-who-hate-drugs_b_2497780.html[/URL]

I agree with the author's viewpoint, but the article is way too sensationalist. The whole, "think of the children" argument has been done to death.

enforce tougher law on hard drugs and loosen law on marijuana.

[QUOTE=Boba_Fett;39317513]I agree with the author's viewpoint, but the article is way too sensationalist. The whole, "think of the children" argument has been done to death.[/QUOTE] i disagree the whole drugs are bad for kids needs to be publicized more many of my friends have overdosed on weed needles don't even get me started on weed duis

Legalize all drugs and prostitution. Violent crime will drop across the board.

[QUOTE=JoeSkylynx;39317562]Legalize all drugs and prostitution. Violent crime will drop across the board.[/QUOTE] suddenly drug addiction

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317533]enforce tougher law on hard drugs and loosen law on marijuana.[/QUOTE] A lot of the time overdoses and other complications are caused by the fact that the product is unregulated so strength is unknown and contamination caused by the black market. Other times it's miscalculation of tolerance and dirty paraphernalia but regulation and education can resolve those better than continuing to push them underground stigmatising and criminalising those who end up using. Also the black market makes the substance more expensive too leading to acquisitive crime to fund habits/

[QUOTE=JustExtreme;39317588]A lot of the time overdoses and other complications are caused by the fact that the product is unregulated so strength is unknown and contamination caused by the black market. Other times it's miscalculation of tolerance and dirty paraphernalia but regulation and education can resolve those better than continuing to push them underground stigmatising and criminalising those who end up using.[/QUOTE] Heroin, cocaine and other hard as fuck drugs that you can actually get addicted too and fuck up your body have no place inside of a human.

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317572]suddenly drug addiction[/QUOTE] Addiction isn't that much of a problem if it can be maintained at a manageable cost with clean pure product applied in the correct dosages (relevant to users tolerance) and with clean paraphenlia. Look at fucking coffee junkies for an example. A well maintained heroin habit fulfilling the conditions above, for example, with dosages taken in the evenings after daily activity i.e. work is not overly problematic to society or even the individual using it. Opiates are pretty safe when used properly.

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317572]suddenly drug addiction[/QUOTE] Yeah man so much addiction. [url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2011/07/05/ten-years-after-decriminalization-drug-abuse-down-by-half-in-portugal/]Just look at Portugal. Poor sods.[/url] Oh hey look, this box is the perfect size to fit all of your arguments!

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317652]Heroin, cocaine and other hard as fuck drugs that you can actually get addicted too and fuck up your body have no place inside of a human.[/QUOTE] Most of their dangers are caused by being pushed underground. Rather than produce bollocks like making statements such as "have no place inside a human" I'm going to tell you to "Have a nice day".

Decriminalization is good, since it gets people to seek fucking treatment.

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317572]suddenly drug addiction[/QUOTE]god just shut up please.

[QUOTE=Paul McCartney;39317751]Decriminalization is good, since it gets people to seek fucking treatment.[/QUOTE] Yeah but it also keeps the supply of the drugs underground therefore many of the dangers attributed to the actual drugs themselves that are actually caused by the black market remain when they could be avoided saving countless lives. Also cartels are able to continue generating revenue from the drugs as the market is effectively gifted to them.

[QUOTE=Killer900;39317776]god just shut up please.[/QUOTE] I believe marijuana should be legalized and hard drugs such as Heroin and Cocaine not legalized. "They can't get treatment" is bullshit because, needle exchanges and rehab. Its unhealthy both physically and mentally. Addiction to hard drugs is a big problem because legalization would open doors for advertisement and thus getting people stuck in the trap of becoming a addict and wasting away their life.

The root of the drug problem is usually addictive personalities and a lack of self-control. That's what can cause continued substance abuse, not simply the drug itself; addictive personalities and lacking in self control applies to more than just normal drugs; it can apply to foodstuffs as well, as well as carnal activities and entertainment. It is important to prevent one's pleasures from becoming routine; if I keep eating my cookies and drinking my Pepsi on a regular basis, they aren't as good as they usually, and it makes me want to seek out more potent things or indulge in larger quantities. In my opinion, to locate the root of drug abuse, we must find whatever genetic or neurological triggers promote overindulgence and dependency, right at the heart of our minds and flesh, and work out how to promote the virtue of taking things in moderation. Not to mention we should be teaching kids to be capable of moderating what they like from a rather young age, so it is woven into their impressionable minds and given more time to sink in, before old age hardens the brain into neurological terracotta. When these things come about, legalization will be a lot safer, even though many people nowadays are capable of "moderating their pleasures", and it's probably the minority of addictive personalities that're the problem. (take a shot for every time I said addictive personalities)

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317815]I believe marijuana should be legalized and hard drugs such as Heroin and Cocaine not legalized. "They can't get treatment" is bullshit because, needle exchanges and rehab. Its unhealthy both physically and mentally. Addiction to hard drugs is a big problem because legalization would open doors for advertisement and thus getting people stuck in the trap of becoming a addict and wasting away their life.[/QUOTE] It's not that unhealthy when they are available in a regulated way as I mentioned before and used as directed. Legalisation doesn't have to mean advertisement. Advertisement of drugs could be banned just like advertisement of smoking and drinking is in many countries. They're pretty popular without advertisement already...

[QUOTE=JustExtreme;39317854]It's not unhealthy when they are available in a regulated way as I mentioned before.[/QUOTE] How would you go about making cocaine and heroin healthy?

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317815]I believe marijuana should be legalized and hard drugs such as Heroin and Cocaine not legalized. "They can't get treatment" is bullshit because, needle exchanges and rehab. Its unhealthy both physically and mentally. Addiction to hard drugs is a big problem because legalization would open doors for advertisement and thus getting people stuck in the trap of becoming a addict and wasting away their life.[/QUOTE] Read the article before you post audacious shit like this. Ending the drug war will reduce drug use (including 'hard' drugs). People should be able to put whatever they want in their bodies, the government doesn't need to babysit capable adults. [editline]22nd January 2013[/editline] [QUOTE=laserguided;39317873]How would you go about making cocaine and heroin healthy?[/QUOTE] Clean heroin is just as safe as any other opiate, including morphine, codeine, etc.

Exactly but hey fuck junkies, let them all die because they're scum amirite? They should have chosen fucking beer and hard liquor like me. Have a little compassion....

[QUOTE=JustExtreme;39317903]Exactly but hey fuck junkies, let them all die because they're scum amirite? They should have chosen fucking beer and hard liquor like me. Have a little compassion....[/QUOTE] In their case they need help; not only to beat their addiction, but to adjust their minds so they aren't susceptible to addiction again and can enjoy such things in natural moderation without fear of unwilling dependency.

[QUOTE=ironman17;39317847][B]The root of the drug problem is usually addictive personalities and a lack of self-control. [/B]That's what can cause continued substance abuse, not simply the drug itself; addictive personalities and lacking in self control applies to more than just normal drugs; it can apply to foodstuffs as well, as well as carnal activities and entertainment. It is important to prevent one's pleasures from becoming routine; if I keep eating my cookies and drinking my Pepsi on a regular basis, they aren't as good as they usually, and it makes me want to seek out more potent things or indulge in larger quantities. In my opinion, to locate the root of drug abuse, we must find whatever genetic or neurological triggers promote overindulgence and dependency, right at the heart of our minds and flesh, and work out how to promote the virtue of taking things in moderation. Not to mention we should be teaching kids to be capable of moderating what they like from a rather young age, so it is woven into their impressionable minds and given more time to sink in, before old age hardens the brain into neurological terracotta. When these things come about, legalization will be a lot safer, even though many people nowadays are capable of "moderating their pleasures", and it's probably the minority of addictive personalities that're the problem. (take a shot for every time I said addictive personalities)[/QUOTE] Any studies to back that up? I feel like you're completely ignoring withdrawl symptoms, you know, the main reason addicts seek out more drugs. It's just a [I]little[/I] different from not having your daily dose of Pepsi and sweets.

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317652]Heroin, cocaine and other hard as fuck drugs that you can actually get addicted too and fuck up your body have no place inside of a human.[/QUOTE] pure heroin doesn't fuck up your body [editline]22nd January 2013[/editline] wait why did I decide to argue with laserguided I'm a retard

Lets just do as the Dutch do.

[QUOTE=laserguided;39317572]suddenly drug addiction[/QUOTE] If it's legal people will go to rehab instead of prison

[QUOTE=Zeke129;39318748]If it's legal people will go to rehab instead of prison[/QUOTE] You can't force someone into rehab if its legal. Its already optional and the government tries to combat the risk of passing illness with needle exchanges.

[QUOTE=laserguided;39318783]You can't force someone into rehab if its legal.[/QUOTE] That's what Portugal does

[QUOTE=Zeke129;39318792]That's what Portugal does[/QUOTE] Then it isn't 100% legal if they force people into rehab?

[QUOTE=JoeSkylynx;39317562]Legalize all drugs and prostitution. Violent crime will drop across the board.[/QUOTE] I'm okay with legalizing all drugs, but some drugs should be illegal to sell though ie meth, heroin, crack, ect.

[QUOTE=.FLAP.JACK.DAN.;39318823]I'm okay with legalizing all drugs, but some drugs should be illegal to sell though ie meth, heroin, crack, ect.[/QUOTE] But a lot of the dangers of even those substances are only there due to the black market, as I've mentioned already.