Years ago I created a web site that lists over 50 problem solving strategies — http://www.une.edu.au/about-une/academic-schools/bcss/news-and-events/psychology-community-activities/over-fifty-problem-solving-strategies-explained. This popular site gives as a strategy doing the opposite of what one has been trying unsuccessfully. Governments giving heroin to heroin addicts would seem to fit the bill.
Does any government actually give heroin to users? According to an article I just read in The Economist, Switzerland and The Netherlands both do so nationwide. Other European countries are running trials. What is their goal? Harm reduction.
Harm reduction involves altering a dangerous behavior so that it causes less harm. Using a marijuana vaporizer likely is less harmful than smoking marijuana because the vaporizer releases no combustion products (like soot) into a person’s lungs. See my posting on this at https://blog.une.edu.au/usingpsychology/2013/08/24/marijuana-vaporizers/. E-cigarettes might have similar advantages.
So how does giving heroin away help? Giving it away in medically supervised injection rooms dramatically reduces overdoses and disease transmission. Other benefits: Users don’t need to commit crime after crime to get money for their fix. Does use of heroin rise when the stuff is free? No, it drops substantially. That is where psychology comes in. Why the drop?
It may be that the medical supervision makes use seem more like a medical problem than a fun time. Use becomes less reinforcing. Who looks forward to medically supervised renal dialysis? Also, users of free heroin are encouraged to enter treatment programs. Prompts at the right time can work wonders.
Will more countries give heroin away to users? Yes, but not countries that take a moralistic view of drug abuse. If you think drug abusers are low, weak people who deserve punishment, you won’t care much about harm reduction.
What do you think about giving heroin users free heroin?
John Malouff, PhD, JD, Assoc Prof of Psychology
The lack of comments is telling, I think of an awkward societal topic.
I agree with legalised injection rooms, but I do not agree in providing it for free. Subsidised for affordability yes, but not for free.
My thinking here is do to with individuals actively owning and contributing to the process of overcoming the addiction. And with society supporting them with this, but as a part of society they also need to contribute, not just turn up.
Hi Antony. The goal of these programs is to reduce the harm associated with heroin use.
I understand that, and do still agree with injection rooms as well as needle exchange programs. My opinion of these is that they are a unfortunate but necessary evil.
But, I am vehemently oppose to the public supply of any heroin, unless it is a part of a structured supervised treatment program for dependance or for another legitimate medical use.
I work in health, and am familiar with methadone programs, and very diverse population that access them. I have also worked in situation that provided needle exchange and disposal. Certainly no expert, but I have seen enough to form an opinion.
Addit. Just reread the post, had a look at google and reflected a bit on my own biases.
Certainly not comfortable with it, still. But it is part of structured and supportive program. So, would be interested to see the results of some local trials.
Hi Antony. You set a good model for me and others with regard to examining one’s own biases.