In The News Today...

Quote: SOOPOO

This is just ridiculous. I HATE when our government enables or even encourages criminal behavior. It’s another clear difference between Republican and Democrat. Another solid talking point leading up to November. I (and I believe a MAJORITY of Americans) do not want our tax dollars spent on making it safer for the crime committing illegal drug users. You, ams, might think it distracts from the news of the day, but it is another piece of news making it clear what a Democrat run government can do.

Addicts coming to the hospital not only with addictions and possibly other infections from dirty drug paraphernalia is a good idea in what way?

Who pays the extra cost of treating infections when it comes to that? And when they transfer it to other people, it just multiplies. Also assuming drug users may be unreliable with drugs that don't get them high, they may be contributing to antibiotic resistance when they have to treat infections, they may have avoided in the first place with the distribution of "clean kits" It's not just the distribution of pipes.

Quote: rxwine

Addicts coming to the hospital not only with addictions and possibly other infections from dirty drug paraphernalia is a good idea in what way?

Who pays the extra cost of treating infections when it comes to that? And when they transfer it to other people, it just multiplies. Also assuming drug users may be unreliable with drugs that don't get them high, they may be contributing to antibiotic resistance when they have to treat infections, they may have avoided in the first place with the distribution of "clean kits" It's not just the distribution of pipes.

Vancouver was the first place in N. America with 'safe' injection sites c/w drug testing available (Sep 2003). Our overdose deaths just keep going up with a new record set almost every month. Infections are not what is killing the addicts.

Quote: kenarman

Vancouver was the first place in N. America with 'safe' injection sites c/w drug testing available (Sep 2003). Our overdose deaths just keep going up with a new record set almost every month. Infections are not what is killing the addicts.

But my main point isn't about saving lives but the increased cost of public health of infections which cost money to treat. It's cheaper to let them access clean materials. These people aren't going to avoid the drugs because they have to use something filthy. They'll use a dirty needle if that's all they have.

Quote: SOOPOO

I HATE when our government enables or even encourages criminal behavior.

You'll hate Oregon then, because here it's not a crime to possess and use heroin, meth etc. for personal use.

Quote: rxwine

But my main point isn't about saving lives but the increased cost of public health of infections which cost money to treat. It's cheaper to let them access clean materials. These people aren't going to avoid the drugs because they have to use something filthy. They'll use a dirty needle if that's all they have.

BC has supplied free clean needles no questions asked for even longer. Where the true savings might be if there are any is if it reduces crime. If the number of addicts increased then reduced productivity will probably more than wipe out those savings.

Quote: missedhervee

You'll hate Oregon then, because here it's not a crime to possess and use heroin, meth etc. for personal use.

I have no strong opinions one way or the other on legalization. But if legal gambling in Nevada attracts gamblers, couldn't legal harder drugs attract harder drug users?

I know some harder drug users can still function in society and even keep a job. But I think that's a small percentage. I don't know that I would want to be only state in the Union that might attract such a crowd or encourage people to stay because no other place allows such leniency. Maybe that's part of the homeless problem in Portland.

Quote: rxwine

But my main point isn't about saving lives but the increased cost of public health of infections which cost money to treat. It's cheaper to let them access clean materials. These people aren't going to avoid the drugs because they have to use something filthy. They'll use a dirty needle if that's all they have.

I do not get this. You are wishing death on people who do not mask and will not take the vax but you are happy to provide drug paraphernalia to let people smoke crack and shoot heroin.

Quote: AZDuffman

I do not get this. You are wishing death on people who do not mask and will not take the vax but you are happy to provide drug paraphernalia to let people smoke crack and shoot heroin.

You're right, you don't get it.

I'm for providing vaccines for covid to help end the pandemic for the good of society at the least cost to all of us. Not helping people who keep rejecting that help. Free drug paraphernalia won't prevent drug overdoses. But bringing down health costs of treatment of spreading infections should bring down the cost to the public at large of the drug addicts. The infections won't likely kill them fast enough to save any money but they will likely cost the rest of us so better to prevent them if possible.

The US has been losing the war on drugs for fifty years despite untold millions of dollars spent and now hosting 20% of the worlds prisoners. Yet, when anyone suggests a departure from the losing tactics of more interdiction and incarceration, it is used as political ammo to stir up outrage.

As you probably could have guessed, the HHS harm reduction grant in question does NOT fund crack pipes. But don't let that ruin a good rant.

Quote: rxwine

You're right, you don't get it.

I'm for providing vaccines for covid to help end the pandemic for the good of society at the least cost to all of us. Not helping people who keep rejecting that help. Free drug paraphernalia won't prevent drug overdoses. But bringing down health costs of treatment of spreading infections should bring down the cost to the public at large of the drug addicts. The infections won't likely kill them fast enough to save any money but they will likely cost the rest of us so better to prevent them if possible.

You are right, I do not get how the choice to use drugs should be enabled but people who just want do not want the vax or masks are to be outright denied care. Seems very bizarro world.