Police Department Offers Heroin Addicts Amnesty, Treatment

[inanna]

Source: Associated Press

GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Aug 14, 2015, 1:17 AM ET

...

Gloucester is taking a novel approach to the war on drugs, making the police station a first stop for addicts on the road to recovery.

Under a policy launched in June, heroin and opioid addicts who voluntarily turn themselves in at the station are fast-tracked into treatment services through a team of police officers, volunteers and trained clinicians.

They aren't charged with a crime, and much of their treatment cost is covered through public and private insurance, grants by service providers and by police using money seized from drug dealers.

They can even hand over drugs and drug paraphernalia to police, no questions asked.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/police-department-offers-heroin-addicts-amnesty-treatment-33077151

[Midnight Writer]

1. Excellent idea

Prison for drug abusers is an obscene policy. The prison term and ensuing criminal record is often more damaging than the addiction itself, and worsens the problem rather than solving it.

The zero tolerance war on drugs is an absolute failure. It is time for a new approach.

[Suich]

2. Nice work, Gloucester!

I'll be curious if this program works.

[NutmegYankee]

3. This is what is needed!

[Uncle Joe]

4. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, inanna.

[Mosby]

5. kick

[JudyM]

6. K&R. Nt

[freshwest]

7. Sanity. n/t