Public Safety

This crisis is not going to solve itself. I have an idea.

Addiction's Destruction Runs Deeper than many folks realize.

Addiction isn’t your ordinary disease. It is a social cancer that destroys homes , businesses and people. Once it metastasizes it can even destroy a community. Our society is based on the notion that people are not only responsible for their own well-being, they have the right to live their lives in any manner they choose. Up to a point. That line is crossed when one person’s actions adversely affects others with whom they bear no connection.

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New Policy Announcement Coming August 24th!

A Chain is Only as Strong as Its Weakest Link

Looking Holistically

When we start to talk about harm reduction, we have to look at it holistically and include respect for the many families, individuals, children, employees, students and others who are not engaged in self-destructive and socially-destructive activities. This is not casting judgement or wishing ill on those in the throes of addiction. It’s just being factual.

When a person places their hand on a hot stove, they pull it away quickly because it is apparent continued exposure will cause potentially irreparable harm. When a person starts the slippery slide down the slope into addiction, their pain mechanism is dulled. An addict doesn’t feel pain and will take further measures to retain dulled senses. By any measure, they are not thinking clearly.

Some people apparently feel leaving addicts to wallow in their altered state is being compassionate and human. Yet I have a hunch these same people wouldn’t hesitate to drag someone unconscious from a burning building. So, what’s the difference? Do nothing and watch people die one injection at a time, or act with urgency and get them into treatment before it’s too late?

There is no consensus on this topic and it’s not clear there ever will be. However, the notion that the rights of folks whose actions have regrettably placed themselves in conflict with others quietly going about their lives should enjoy extra privileges, is anathematic to any civilization that has ever existed.

One thing is clear. The opioid crisis is not going to solve itself. This means the challenges of addiction, crime, homelessness and suffering cannot be ignored.