The drug issue does not start as a mental health problem, but a user/dealer problem that unchecked progresses to a mental health problem for the users. Accepting that unchecked drug use becomes a public and mental health issu ... read full comment
The drug issue does not start as a mental health problem, but a user/dealer problem that unchecked progresses to a mental health problem for the users. Accepting that unchecked drug use becomes a public and mental health issue, I dare say until then, it is a social/societal issue, that from the start calls for smart, innovative prevention and deterrent solutions.
In a republic, the right initial approach at halting or nipping the problem in the bud, before it becomes out of control, is a socio-legal solution of problem containment.
As a psychiatrist who has first hand experience of dealing with users (and sometimes dealers---through the criminal justice system) in Europe and N. America, l dare say the problem as experienced in those sub-regions, stems from arguments similar to that in your article.
So called "progressive"s argue about, "well the problem is here with us anyway, so why not legalise it, to cut out the dealers". Oh well, in those countries with such prevailing thoughts have the dealers disappeared?, the answer is no. Those who end up suffering the burden of such decisions are the users. The is clear evidence for a biological basis of vulnerability to drug addiction, and cutting down on access to hard drugs, contributes in cutting down availabilty on a grand scale to users who may be vulnerable.
Not to mention the scientifically proven physical and mental health problems that accompany acute and chronic drug use. For Ghana especially, we have to be circumspect in the fight against illicit drugs, We have a lot to learn from "failed policies", from other nations with liberal approaches to illicit drug misuse. I will not vote with my feet for legalisation of illicit drug use.
Malcolm Kyle 9 years ago
Great article! Prohibition has finally run its course; the lives and livelihoods of hundred's of millions of people (users and non-users) worldwide have been destroyed or severely disrupted; many countries that were once shin ... read full comment
Great article! Prohibition has finally run its course; the lives and livelihoods of hundred's of millions of people (users and non-users) worldwide have been destroyed or severely disrupted; many countries that were once shining beacons of liberty and prosperity have become toxic repressive smoldering heaps of hypocrisy and a gross affront to fundamental human decency. It is now the duty of every last one of us to insure that the people who are responsible for this shameful situation are not simply left in peace to enjoy the wealth and status that their despicable actions have, until now, afforded them. Former and present Prohibitionists should not be allowed to remain untainted or untouched by the unconscionable acts that they have viciously committed on their fellow human beings. They have provided us with neither safe communities nor safe streets. We will provide them with neither a safe haven to enjoy their ill-gotten gains nor the liberty to repeat such a similar atrocity.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 9 years ago
Dr SAS, the case for legalising drugs is often very persuasive for a number reasons some of which you elucidated, especially, the economic one (taxation). The regulation argument is also persuasive and the two are very tempti ... read full comment
Dr SAS, the case for legalising drugs is often very persuasive for a number reasons some of which you elucidated, especially, the economic one (taxation). The regulation argument is also persuasive and the two are very tempting. However, whilst I believe such arguments are good, for societies with strong culture of rule of law and well organised health and social care systems, I am afraid it was be a disaster for developing countries like Ghana where there is too much indiscipline, near lawlessness and the health and social care systems are not much to talk about, no amount of compelling arguments should lead to legalisation of drugs.
Again, for the above reasons, legalisation of the drug trade could pose a great threat to weaker states because drug barons could use their money to influence decision makers and gain control of states. Unless developing countries such as Ghana can make rule of law work where money cannot buy justice or injustice and good health and social care systems are in place (to cater for those who may become victims of drug use due to either abuse or any other reason), then, drugs should not be legalised.
Dr. SAS, ATTORNEY AT LAW 9 years ago
All the ills you just enumerated are already in the works all over the world because of the criminalization of drugs!
As we speak, "drug barons could use their money to influence decision makers and gain control of states."
... read full comment
All the ills you just enumerated are already in the works all over the world because of the criminalization of drugs!
As we speak, "drug barons could use their money to influence decision makers and gain control of states."
But the barons are barons simply on account of supply and demand. By criminalizing drugs, they become very scarce and therefore very expensive and overly profitable for the barons. Legalization will flood the market and eliminate or weaken the power of the barons.
Our society is no different from any human society.....In any case, you should look at the bigger picture: compare the evils perpetrated on humanity by drug laws with the advantages that could accrue from its legalization. Here in America for example, if you legalize drugs, about 60% of the prison population will vanish, and 70% of law enforcement budget will vanish; and 60% of criminal records will vanish. All these daunting records will be substituted with the huge social benefits of taxation, regulations and health care.
Compare the above statistics with anything that has been so far achieved through the drug war, and you will understand why it is a no-brainer. The world will not come to an end because of legalization of drugs; it will certainly come to an end because of the criminalization of drugs...a phenomenon that has already created a cabal of barons that are far richer than many states.
BeeTap 9 years ago
What worries me is our law makers who govern our lives cant see this failed policy is hurting us far more than the drugs themselves. What else are they doing that requires competent thinking? Living in the USA one has to avoi ... read full comment
What worries me is our law makers who govern our lives cant see this failed policy is hurting us far more than the drugs themselves. What else are they doing that requires competent thinking? Living in the USA one has to avoid harm from our Government like dodging sharp knives. The USA "kills" its own by a death of a thousand cuts.
The drug issue does not start as a mental health problem, but a user/dealer problem that unchecked progresses to a mental health problem for the users. Accepting that unchecked drug use becomes a public and mental health issu ...
read full comment
Great article! Prohibition has finally run its course; the lives and livelihoods of hundred's of millions of people (users and non-users) worldwide have been destroyed or severely disrupted; many countries that were once shin ...
read full comment
Dr SAS, the case for legalising drugs is often very persuasive for a number reasons some of which you elucidated, especially, the economic one (taxation). The regulation argument is also persuasive and the two are very tempti ...
read full comment
All the ills you just enumerated are already in the works all over the world because of the criminalization of drugs!
As we speak, "drug barons could use their money to influence decision makers and gain control of states."
...
read full comment
What worries me is our law makers who govern our lives cant see this failed policy is hurting us far more than the drugs themselves. What else are they doing that requires competent thinking? Living in the USA one has to avoi ...
read full comment