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New approach needed in the ongoing battle against drugs
THE DEATH of the model Katy French has put the subject of drugs top of
the news agenda in both Britain and Ireland.
A poll elsewhere in this week’s Irish Post shows more than 70 per
cent of readers believe Ireland is currently in the throes of a drugs
epidemic. The causes and solutions for this can and will be debated long
and hard over the next few months.
But before we resort to knee-jerk reactions which will do little to solve
the problem it would be as well to shatter a few illusions.
Drugs are not a new problem nor are they confined to some sort of underclass.
They never have been. In truth most of us take drugs at some point during
our lives — be it alcohol or tobacco.
The difference is these are legal and tolerated by society despite the
fact that they can and do do harm. Opium use was widespread in 19th century
Britain until the authorities decreed it was having such a detrimental
effect on society that its distribution must be halted — which was
the beginning of the country’s drug control policy.
It is possible to argue that if alcohol had only been discovered last
year then it would have been banned by now. Indeed, America tried to do
just such a thing through its prohibition laws only to have to backtrack
as organised criminals moved in to take over the trade.
Throughout history governments have fought a losing battle to control
substances they deem harmful. Legislation, education and public information
campaigns have all failed to stem drug use.
There is little evidence that that will change any time in the near future.
The truth is people take drugs because they enjoy them — even though
they know they may cause them harm.
To those who do not indulge that might seem stupid — but then again
many people routinely break the speed limit when driving despite a wealth
of evidence that they are likely to cause injury to others if involved
in an accident. Yet, somehow, this is not seen as such a serious crime.
Latest estimates say more than 30 per cent of people in Britain have taken
illegal drugs at some point — with as many as 10 per cent being
regular users.
When figures reach that point it starts to become pointless diverting
huge resources into trying to stop the flow of these substances. It simply
won’t work.
That doesn’t mean we should simply give up the fight. But it needs
a wide and educated debate to try to come up with a solution that will
work.
Christmas brings the spirit of hope
IRISH President Mary McAleese sends a message of hope to all our readers
this week.
Central to her thoughts are how the changed situation in the North of
Ireland shows how something good can come out of years of misery if people
are prepared to work together with the best intentions.
It is a lesson we should all take to heart as we head into the festive
period.
From everyone at The Irish Post we wish you and your family and friends
a very happy Christmas.
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