Sir, – In relation to the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, a letter writer asks, “Why would we add more problem substances to the existing problems?” (Letters, October 5th).
The answer is that the idea that making most drugs illegal reduces their harm is unsubstantiated.
In fact, it may exacerbate the problem in some cases.
For example, someone who is addicted to heroin has their situation worsened by getting a criminal conviction.
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On the other hand, their situation is more likely to improve in a well-resourced, evidence-based system that relies on established harm-reduction practices (such as opioid agonist treatment, needle and syringe programmes, etc).
The current approach demonstrably does not work as intended, but this is entirely unsurprising as it is not informed by any evidence.
As with everything, there is a spectrum, in this case between illegality and widespread availability.
Different drugs should fall on different places on this spectrum depending on many factors, such as their addictiveness, the risk they pose to the consumer, the risk they pose to others, and so on. – Yours, etc,
CONOR McDONNELL,
Dundrum,
Dublin 16.
Sir, – A letter writer argues that the health service is “full of people sick and dying from legal drugs” and questions why we would “add more problem substances to the existing problems” (Letters, October 5th).
Clearly these substances already exist, in abundance, in our society, causing significant morbidity and mortality. To suggest that people who use drugs could break the habit by going hill-walking, by contemplating the ethical dilemmas of supporting the drugs trade, or by being exposed to the harmful effect of illegal drugs is idealistic and unrealistic. These outdoor activities, moral dilemmas and prospective punishments are not effective deterrents for people suffering from serious drug addiction. While liberalisation of drug laws is not a perfect solution, it seems clear from other countries’ experiences that instead of punishing drug users through the courts, taking a public health approach can improve the health of drug users while freeing up resources to target those working within the drug trade. The recommendation from the citizens’ assembly to liberalise drug laws should be welcomed, and show that a majority are likely to support this progressive and sensible approach. – Yours, etc,
Dr FERGAL HOWLEY,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.