Drug Abuse Clinics

If our leaders truly want to control drug abuse, wouldn’t it be?

more effective to implement incentives to not use illegal drugs rather than continue chasing those that do? A)Voluntary drug testing at free clinic and work place or self test cards sent somewhere. 100% drug free tax break such as 1% of income tax rebate. (Would create more jobs for testing services that in turn would increase tax paying citizens). B)Voluntary drug testing with all medical visits. 100% drug free with no history of ever using illegal drug will earn insurance premium refunds and/or deductions on health care bill. C)Individuals found to be positive for any illegal substance in his or her body will get increased auto premiums, limited health care and pay a fine in addition to usual penalties. (When drunk-driving laws were first implemented there was much ado about the impact this will have on people who like to drink and drive). D)Driving age increased for students identified with illegal drugs in their system. Prohibition increased the use of alcohol during the 1920’s, yet imposing laws that make using alcohol and cigarettes safer for those who don’t use these chemicals seems to be decreasing the use of both. Do you agree or disagree with me?

Public Comments

1. Of course, it would make the most sense to decriminalize drug use. However prison is an industry in our nation.
2. I would not decriminalize drugs but I like your idea of offering incentives to those that voluntarily show they do not. My only problem with the idea is I don't like the government in the business of telling people how to live their lives. Soon there will be incentives to do a lot of things our elected officials want to have us do. I hate to say slippery slope but look how big our government already is. I will agree to a trial program.
3. Many people think that legalizing drugs would be the answer since it is a "victimless crime". Funny, I didnt feel like I WASNT a victim when the crackhead broke into my house to steal my TV, DVD Player, PS2, and my computer so that he could by more drugs. As far as incentives, it would reward the ones that dont use already but I think it would have little impact on the ADDICTS that do use.
4. I've never been a big supporter of the prohibition against recreational drugs. First, because I question the Constitutional authority of government to enact such a broad prohibition, that includes non-harmful drugs. The government doesn't have the right or duty to protect people from themselves. Second, the prohibition makes the purveyors of the illegal drugs rich and powerful. Third, it would probably be more cost beneficial to work on the demand rather than the supply. Mandatory drug treatment, and free treatment for those who seek to get clean. Lastly, far too many otherwise innocent peoples' lives have been ruined by this draconian prohibition. Stop the madness. ---- Forgot my caveat. I don't do drugs, nor would I if they were legalized. I just staunchly support the personal freedoms and liberties that are the essence of the Constitution.