kiwi on Nostr: Right now, the opioid drug supply is especially contaminated and unsafe. Another ...
Right now, the opioid drug supply is especially contaminated and unsafe.
Another issue is the law views people who use drugs. Police, politicians, neighbors, family and friends participate in perpetuating the criminalization, shame, stigma, and isolation of people who use drugs. Drug use is not inherently a crime.
People who use drugs are not inherently criminals. *The law* makes people who use specific drugs criminals. Police enforce these laws mostly along racialized and classist lines which feeds health and economic disparities.
Due to fear of arrest, criminalization also discourages people who use drugs from being open about their situation and seeking help.
Even when help is available, it doesn’t always fit everyone’s needs. Some programs focus only on quitting drugs completely, which doesn't work for everyone and can even be harmful.
We need to remember what Zoe Dodd, a harm reduction advocate, says: "Overdose death is a policy failure." To really make a difference, we need our leaders to support strategies that reduce harm, like places to use drugs safely and not treating drug use as a crime.
These strategies help reduce the risks of using drugs and save lives from overdoses. It's all about looking out for each other and finding ways to help people stay safe and healthy.
Another issue is the law views people who use drugs. Police, politicians, neighbors, family and friends participate in perpetuating the criminalization, shame, stigma, and isolation of people who use drugs. Drug use is not inherently a crime.
People who use drugs are not inherently criminals. *The law* makes people who use specific drugs criminals. Police enforce these laws mostly along racialized and classist lines which feeds health and economic disparities.
Due to fear of arrest, criminalization also discourages people who use drugs from being open about their situation and seeking help.
Even when help is available, it doesn’t always fit everyone’s needs. Some programs focus only on quitting drugs completely, which doesn't work for everyone and can even be harmful.
We need to remember what Zoe Dodd, a harm reduction advocate, says: "Overdose death is a policy failure." To really make a difference, we need our leaders to support strategies that reduce harm, like places to use drugs safely and not treating drug use as a crime.
These strategies help reduce the risks of using drugs and save lives from overdoses. It's all about looking out for each other and finding ways to help people stay safe and healthy.