Pubdate: Sat, 26 Aug 2000
Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2000
Contact:  http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/
Author: Gray Sattler

DON'T REJECT HEROIN TRIALS OUT OF HAND...

I think it disturbing that you should pen so misleading and alarmist an
editorial as you did on Aug 22, "Legalising drugs will cure nothing". Why
suggest that Sydney is a place where heroin is distributed free to anyone
who walks in (shooting galleries where addicts can walk in and receive their
drug free)? The project you refer to is an injecting room trial that will be
evaluated and could continue if successful.

Why infer that the idea is ill conceived with comments such as "Those who
use the facility will be screened on entry for what it is not clear"? A
trial should be run as rigorously as possible and, like any trial, will have
constraints and require data collection. I am sure those conducting the
trial would be happy to answer any constructive questions you may wish to
ask.

Why revert to conspiracy theories when HIV and illicit drug use are of such
concern? The Reverend Herbert was quite clear when interviewed on ABC Radio
at the weekend: The trial is about saving lives. Dr Ingrid Van Beek would
share that view, given her many years work at the Kirketon Road Centre in
Kings Cross, where the goal is to reach out to and help those with chronic
drug addiction, yet often see them die.

Shouldn't we be carefully testing any potentially beneficial approach we
can? The main question about this bold initiative is not whether it has a
sinister motive but whether it can contribute to a decline in drug overdose
deaths and HIV infections.

The main question for Thailand is: Will it work? We should be monitoring the
situation and carefully examining the trial outcome. If it works, we should
look at how it might be applied here where the problems are even greater.

Thailand should be bold and innovative in its approach to the very real
problems of drug addiction and HIV/Aids. Put public health and concern for
all Thai people first. There is no need to condone the use of illicit drugs
but have a care for those already addicted; stop overdose deaths and develop
new drug treatment programmes.

Gray Sattler
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