Legalising drugs would be “an historic mistake,” UN report says
BMJ 2009; 338 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b2559 (Published 24 June 2009) Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b2559
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The "war" on drugs has raged now for several decades with no sign of
it ever ending. Drug consumption in the UK appears to have actually
increased during this time. Extreme positions on both sides of the
discussion appear to have hardened. As critical scientists however should
the medical profession not remain objective?
I would invite the readership to consider the phrase, "Drug addiction
is a health condition: people who take drugs need medical help, not
criminal retribution". If I take an extreme position and add the word
"all" into these phrases, does this still hold true?
ALL Drug addiction is a health condition: ALL people who take drugs
need medical help, not criminal retribution. I think the word "some" might
be more realistic.
I believe that the time has come to broker for peace in this "war"
since the efforts of both sides appear futile and the measured outcome is
actually an increase in harmful drug use by our patients. To medicalise
this ancient human behaviour is perhaps a step too far in the evolving
role of doctors in society.
In the record of "historic mistakes", I bring to mind the fact that
in 1917 the American Medical Association passed a resolution stating:
"Resolved, The American Medical Association opposes the use of alcohol as
a beverage". Which bit of scientific medical education allows doctors to
determine what is best for society at large in the matter of behaviour and
social habits? What is your evidence base?
Perhaps some legalisation of drugs, not all? Perhaps some help to
addicts, not all? Perhaps the profession can contribute knowledgeably to
discussion on some social issues, but not all.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests
War as metaphor
War has become a popular but unfortunate metaphor and euphemism for
society’s social failures. The “wars” on drugs, illiteracy, and poverty have all
been lost, and the war on terrorism seems endless. Since war connotes conflict,
violence, and death, we should dispense with this malevolent metaphor, and
instead find beneficent metaphors that are more conducive to peace and
health. Words have power and meaning, and they should be chosen carefully.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests