My Opinion of an Aspect of the Programme for Government

My Opinion of an Aspect of the Programme for Government

My Opinion of an Aspect of the Programme for Government

The topic I picked for this assignment is 'A Health-led Approach to Drug Misuse'. I feel that this section of the Programme for Government was extremely lacking. The Programme was able to identify the fact that drug misuse and addiction should be treated as a "public health issue rather than solely as a criminal issue" but refused to acknowledge that without decriminalisation this can never happen.

The government has been making progress in their promises. The National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025 has been working, with 25 of their 50 actions completed by 2020 and the rate of cannabis use amongst teens is dropping.

"Introducing drug and alcohol awareness programmes particularly in relation to the hazards of casual drug use". Whilst awareness and education are crucial, the best way to stop teenagers using drugs is to increase the extra-curricular activities and facilities in the area, especially lower income areas. Providing teenagers with things to do and safe places to hang out.

The reason I think decriminalisation is the best solution for the problems this programme is bringing up is because, this plan is specifically calling to reduce drug convictions and to get better rehabilitation. "Will connect people who use drugs with health services and a pathway to recovery, avoiding criminal convictions". Decriminalisation will ensure the safety of users since there is no quality control, people who use drugs have no way of knowing where the drugs they buy come from or if it has been lace with other drugs. Decriminalisation would also lower addiction and overdoses, it would also reduce rates of HIV by providing clean needles and other equipment. It can also reduce government spending allowing more funds to go to facilities in lower income areas and to rehab centres.

To conclude I believe that decriminalisation is the best method to target the goals that the Programme sets out, such as reducing convictions, increasing awareness and to humanise those struggling with addiction.