Spring Break
Criminalization best deterrent against drugs
Megan Lynch
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Commentary
There is no way to logically argue that drug use can be regulated by the government, or even a pharmacist, to make drugs safer for the user. It is more important to protect the people around the addict and this is where criminalization comes into play. Although many laws and regulations would come with regulated drug use, as with alcohol, it will not help to control its use or protect anyone from harm. It is critical to penalize teenagers and young adults for drug use. The earlier they see the destructive effects drugs will have on their lives, the better off they will be later on when they have familes and real responsibilities.
Criminalization should be seen as a deterrent and the most effective way to help them in the future. The SSDP says health issues and education should be the most important tools to facilitate change in young adults caught with drugs. While attention should be given to health issues and education, punishment should be the first response.
The SSDP does not promote drug use in any way. They just try to make drugs safer for the users. However, we should really be focusing on protecting those that are in danger because of the drug users, rather than making drugs more accessible.
Criminalization should be seen as a deterrent and the most effective way to help them in the future. The SSDP says health issues and education should be the most important tools to facilitate change in young adults caught with drugs. While attention should be given to health issues and education, punishment should be the first response.
The SSDP does not promote drug use in any way. They just try to make drugs safer for the users. However, we should really be focusing on protecting those that are in danger because of the drug users, rather than making drugs more accessible.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Alex
posted 10/02/08 @ 12:32 PM EST
If someone has decided to do heroin don't you think that they will do the drug whether it is legal or not? And how easy is it right now to get basically any drug that you can think of. (Continued…)
Kirk Muse
posted 10/02/08 @ 1:17 PM EST
Caffeine is a mind altering, addictive and potentially
lethal drug (65 cups of coffee in a single day the
consumer has a 50 percent chance of dying as a result). (Continued…)
roger watts
posted 10/02/08 @ 5:45 PM EST
"However, it is hard to see how there could be any sensible way of dealing with drug users other than punishing them as criminals."
how about dealing with drug abuse as the health issue it is? Next time you are injured or ill, you should go to a cop or judge for their "medical" advice. (Continued…)
Jon
posted 10/02/08 @ 8:32 PM EST
Megan,
If you were walking alone at night, and a group of strange young men approached you, would you feel safer knowing they had just come from:
a. (Continued…)
db
posted 10/02/08 @ 11:46 PM EST
if the government allows the freedom to publish articles like this, i see no justification for restricting the freedom to experiment with one's own body
JSF
posted 10/03/08 @ 9:51 AM EST
It's refreshing to know that not everyone thinks about what they say before they say it. It helps the rest of us look smarter.
Thanks for sounding ridiculous. (Continued…)
Matt W.
posted 10/13/08 @ 9:34 PM EST
Megan:
How naive can you possibly be? I strongly suggest conducting a bit more research before being so willing to publicly express your misguided views. (Continued…)
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