ABSTINENCE DRUG REHABILITATION WORKS

The founder of Canada’s needle exchange program in Vancouver, John Turvey, has admitted that abstinence drug rehabilitation is what really works in getting drug users off illicit drugs.

He claims that harm reduction has gone overboard and is not a magic bullet in getting illicit drug users off drugs.

He advocates abstinence programs and the 12 steps program that has been successfully used in alcohol rehabilitation.

Other drug counsellors in Vancouver have agreed with John Turvey, claiming that injecting rooms simply enable the use of illicit drugs.

A shortage of detoxification beds means that counsellors cannot assist illicit drug users when the users beg them for help.

The counsellors admit the end goal of drug policy should be to actually get users off illicit drugs.

Drug counsellors claim detoxification and rehabilitation beds should be the priority for funding for illicit drugs.

(Source: The Star Phoenix Saskatoon Saskatchewan 26/12/2003)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENT

We support the comments that harm reduction programs maintain illicit drug users in their use.

Drug programs must be aimed at getting illicit drug users completely off drugs.

Drug dependent persons should be sent for detoxification and rehabilitation through the justice system as an alternative to incarceration.

Drug policies must be aimed at youth to limit the number of new drug users.

We support more detoxification & rehabilitation that get illicit users drug free.

We support more truthful information about the harm of all illicit drugs.

We support less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.

The DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA Inc. provides this complimentary e-mail and we can be e-mailed at drugadvice@daca.org.au

Our web site at www.daca.org.au has more information about illicit drugs.

11/2004