British Columbia embarks on bold experiment to decriminalize hard drugs - Possession of small amounts of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and other hard drugs will be allowed in Canada’s westernmost province
My main concern with some of these decriminalization movements is that they don’t seem to include methods for persuading people into treatment. The Portuguese model is commonly cited, but I...
My main concern with some of these decriminalization movements is that they don’t seem to include methods for persuading people into treatment. The Portuguese model is commonly cited, but I generally don’t see it detailed:
You receive a summons, and the drugs are confiscated.
You appear in front of a Dissuasion Commission, made up of a social worker, psychiatrist, and attorney.
These commissions have the power to sanction you with different punishments, including fines, suspension of occupational licensing, restrictions on association or travel, reporting/check-in requirements, and termination of certain welfare benefits.
While they cannot mandate rehab, the above sanctions can be suspended if you enter it, and there is strong pressure for you to do so.
That’s a lot harsher than many people make it seem, although IMO, for hard drugs, it’s about right. Personally, I’d prefer they allow for mandatory rehab. As far as soft drug go, I’m fine with legalization.
I don't know what your experience with addicts or addiction is, but just speaking from my own personal experience as a former addict; No amount of "persuading" would have worked on me, and any...
I don't know what your experience with addicts or addiction is, but just speaking from my own personal experience as a former addict; No amount of "persuading" would have worked on me, and any attempt at that by an authority figure likely would have just made me angry, lie my ass off to appease them, and ultimately dig my heels in harder. As for mandatory rehab, sure that would have got me clean temporarily, but it would also have likely only filled me with resentment, and made my inevitable relapse immediately afterwards much worse. And based on the experiences of other addicts I know/knew, many of whom went to court-ordered rehab several times, and relapsed hard afterwards (a few of them fatally so), I suspect that everything I said above is true for the majority of other addicts out there too. The only thing that finally worked for me (and many of the other former addicts I know) was genuinely hitting absolute rock bottom and seeking out treatment of my own volition.
So, IMO the best thing the government can do is probably exactly what they're already planning on doing... don't punish addicts, don't incarcerate them (which mandatory rehab is a form of), and don't make the situation worse by using external pressure or coercion. Instead, just give addicts the information they need to find help if/when they decide to do that for themselves, and assist them once they do. From gov.bc.ca:
Adults found in personal possession of any combination of these illegal drugs that adds up to a combined total of 2.5 grams or less are not subject to criminal charges and the drugs are not seized. Instead, they are offered information about health and social supports. This includes support with making a referral to local treatment and recovery services, if requested.
p.s. Bonus points for also providing safe injection and drug testing sites to help minimize the harm, and reduce the risk of overdosing.
My main concern with some of these decriminalization movements is that they don’t seem to include methods for persuading people into treatment. The Portuguese model is commonly cited, but I generally don’t see it detailed:
That’s a lot harsher than many people make it seem, although IMO, for hard drugs, it’s about right. Personally, I’d prefer they allow for mandatory rehab. As far as soft drug go, I’m fine with legalization.
I don't know what your experience with addicts or addiction is, but just speaking from my own personal experience as a former addict; No amount of "persuading" would have worked on me, and any attempt at that by an authority figure likely would have just made me angry, lie my ass off to appease them, and ultimately dig my heels in harder. As for mandatory rehab, sure that would have got me clean temporarily, but it would also have likely only filled me with resentment, and made my inevitable relapse immediately afterwards much worse. And based on the experiences of other addicts I know/knew, many of whom went to court-ordered rehab several times, and relapsed hard afterwards (a few of them fatally so), I suspect that everything I said above is true for the majority of other addicts out there too. The only thing that finally worked for me (and many of the other former addicts I know) was genuinely hitting absolute rock bottom and seeking out treatment of my own volition.
So, IMO the best thing the government can do is probably exactly what they're already planning on doing... don't punish addicts, don't incarcerate them (which mandatory rehab is a form of), and don't make the situation worse by using external pressure or coercion. Instead, just give addicts the information they need to find help if/when they decide to do that for themselves, and assist them once they do. From gov.bc.ca:
p.s. Bonus points for also providing safe injection and drug testing sites to help minimize the harm, and reduce the risk of overdosing.