Another interesting approach to the drug problem:

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/crime/article2005163.ece

Seems somebody has done the math and has found it's cheaper and likely safer to just give the addicts their drug of choice.

This combined with some PSA's warning others they could be in the need drugs line, is a very interesting approach to dealing with the crime, loss of life and other bad aspects of drug use, while not really affecting the social part of the discussion.

It's still perfectly ok to say Drugs are bad. However we don't have to continue to deal with the high costs of unregulated use and supply.

Of course, the RR, will go completely ape shit, but who cares? If this project gets off the ground and sees some solid success, we may well see others stepping on board to give this a try.

Sure.

Hand out drugs so little kids on their way to school can watch junkies nodding off on every corner.

You want heroin park? Be careful what you wish for.

This is admittedly a complex problem. A matrix system that indentifies those who actually want to quit, along with addressing underlying criminal issues through detention or jail, plus emotional, job and spiritual counseling are needed.

Throwing drugs at addicts is hardly the answer. You wouldn't want your own brother or sister to waste away, never to realize their potential, whilst doomed to a life of government-supported addiction...nor would I. We can do better.

Herb

I think we can do better too. But when I say it, I mean " We can do better than what we are currently doing." Not " we can do better than Missing's idea." Maybe we CAN do better than that. But, you know, maybe we can't.

All your scenarios you painted a picture of what is happening today. Right now. You say that stuff as if it's not already here to the degree that you would hate to see. It's here. We already hate seeing it.

That's what intrigued me actually.

We can save costs that could very easily be put toward addressing the problem. These costs could be partially footed by the addicts themselves. Charge them some to administer the whole program. Would be one hell of a lot less than feeding their habit currently is.

Safer too, which is the biggie.

It's HUGE risk though. Epic. I mean, the worst case scenario is that it WOULD, in fact, royally backfire and we'd have a MUCH larger problem on our hands. I just plain don't know enough to be able to predict that accurately.

So I don't know man. It's a big deal. Not easy to solve. I DO know that it's not currently being solved though.

Heck, maybe we just never will solve it. I'm stopping just short of saying " Anything is worht a try " because I'm not wired that way. I usually need more than what LOOKS like a good idea.

I CAN say that it's worth thinking about. Not everything is - but this is worth at least thinking about.

I would campaign HARD for a plan that involved an end gamd that I believe in. Even if it meant getting taxed like crazy.

I would do it if I believed in it.

I just don't know yet.

It depends on what drug(s) you are talking about, the inherent risks involved with each drug under consideration, and how much each drug has been researched for safety, dosage, side effects, etc. Some illegeal drugs are illegal for good reasons.

The liability issues involved when government, or the local pharmacy distributes dangerous substances could outweigh any monetary savings to society.

Well, they could sign a waiver, or find their own supply.

Two things to consider about the drug scourge.

One, if drugs are handed out to addicts, don't think we won't still have to deal with a HUGE health issue as the health of addicts spirals downward due to the toxic load their bodies will carry.

Two, without regard to those who lack a belief in the spiritual dimension, drug addiction is an attack on not just the health of people. It is also a spiritual attack.

It will continue unless people are shown the hope that is rightfully theirs, as seen in outstanding and effective programs through organizations like AA, the Union Gospel Mission, the Salvation Army, Harbor Light ministries, Teen Challenge & the Blanchet House [along with many others].

Otherwise, this problem will never go away. This is a multi-front war, life is not getting any easier to cope with, plus drugs are too easy of an escape.

Like the Great Society, it's money thrown down a rathole if we think dollars alone will fix it. They won't. This is way beyond that, and it's way beyond politics.

It's the human condition we're dealing with and admit it or not, sick people need the Great Physician.

Herb

Public service announcement.

Addicts, who want to be former addicts, simply need to learn being clean is more worth it than not.

If that happens through religion -good. But it's not the only way it can happen. Also, it's very likely it won't happen at all for a significant number of people.

speaking of "The Great Society", I wonder what we'll call the Bush 43 era? "We Got Hosed"?

"But it's not the only way it can happen."

Show us a better way. It's not like changing a shirt. People need to be transformed, not merely cleaned up. Otherwise, what put them there in the first place will probably rear its ugly head again.

Science shows that certain drugs literally re-wire the brain. This verse addresses both mind and body:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye PRESENT YOUR BODIES a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing OF YOUR MIND, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1

Herb

Praying for recovery is proven to not help at all.

Rather than hand out free heroin to those that want it, how about spending the money to arrest these people and put them in mandatory treatment?

Although I believe that marijuana should be legal and be distributed in the same manner as hard liquor, drugs like meth, cocaine, and heroin should remain as controlled substances.

Show us a better way.

Been there, done that. My wife has 10 years plus with drug and booze treatment. It all comes down to what I just said period.

It is either worth it to be clean, or is isn't. It's that simple.

If faith defines that worth, great. It's a viable option. If reasoning defines that worth, that is also great.

The hard work comes from the person so addicted, not any external force.

What does help is counsiling, treatment for withdrawl, and support. These things have zero to do with religion.

The more of this you have, the more recovered addicts you have period, end of story. Religion is but one of many means to achieve this end.

God, you sound like such an arrogant stupid ass!

One would think the only way to get anything that matters done is through Jesus. How much of this crap do we need to hear?

And again we see bible thumpers leveraging somebody elses dime for their own purpose. You sir, are a leech. Stealing the value built here for your own religious ends. Goddammed thief!

I'm going to resign this account in protest!

Fuck off.

Herb....
We ALREADY have heroin park... Drug use in America is ON THE RISE. Drug Enforcement is a joke. We pump BILLIONS into the DEA and get what?? MORE DRUGS ON THE STREETS!
I know... I know... It's the GD Liberals! The Pinko Commies! The Terrorists! And it's because everyone is a sinner!!!!
Excpet YOU and Wayner....