LETTER – Decriminalization won’t do anything about drug overdoses

Re: Drug decriminalization pilot project might be wishful thinking

You rightly point out that other jurisdictions that have pursued decriminalization have not realized the outlandish claims put forward by narcotic activists.

In fact, there is evidence that shows an increase in negative outcomes for addicts, in addition to the obvious debasing of societal norms.

There is certainly no empirical evidence to support that decriminalization improves outcomes, and certainly not in the absence of any effort to compel individuals into treatment.

Does anyone really believe that decriminalization will stop anyone from shooting up alone while risking overdose in their gifted apartment, basement or back alley?

There is a meme circulating online. You’re old enough to recall the “this is your brain on drugs” commercials. Well now your gas stove is being outlawed, you can’t afford the eggs, and drugs are the only thing you can get.

Stigma exists in society for a reason. Child pornography, alcoholism, drinking and driving, morbid obesity, criminal acts, all rightly carry a stigma as they degrade the healthy functioning of society, and shape the mores that guide our behaviour.

Drug addiction and mental health will not be addressed by enabling vile narcotic abuse, turning communities into open air mental asylums, criminal bazaars and random attack gauntlets.

So much talk of the rights of encampments to take over public land, of drug addicts having the right to live on the sidewalk in front of your house and abuse all manner of vile chemicals, yet very little talk of the rights of contributing citizens and businesses to live in a way that allows them peace and the pursuit of happiness.

The irony is that those very citizens and businesses are the ones bankrolling this billion dollar folly.

P. CURTIS