LEHIGH COUNTY'S HEROIN EPIDEMIC'S LONG TERM CONSEQUENSES

 DRUG USE DECRIMINALIZATION & CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

LEHIGH  VALLEY  HEROIN  EPIDEMIC

 

Two trends that have been prominent nationwide are "drug use decriminalization" and

"criminal justice reform." While we all must admit the so-called "War on Drugs" has been an abysmal failure, I am not sure that the new approaches are the answer to a very serious problem. The government has been able to place itself as the arbitrator of morality and what is acceptable in society; morality has mostly been decided by activist special interest groups.  While the idea that not prosecuting peoples' behavior in the privacy of their home is pretty much an American tradition, we need to be careful that decriminalization does not become an imprimatur by society that drug use is a good and acceptable lifestyle. How can common drug use be decriminalized, and also not lead to an increase in drug demand?  I remember the public service messages that we used to have against drug use - I don't see them anymore. Possibly much more effort at drug education needs to be encouraged by schools and parents; maybe we need a nationwide effort similar to Mothers Against Drunk driving.

The President's and others efforts for criminal justice reform mostly affects drug traffickers. While the image of people being locked away for years for smoking marijuana has been fostered, it is far from the truth. There are mandatory sentences on the books for possession of certain amounts of drugs. These classes vary, but they are large amounts that indicate drug trafficking. These people are being labeled, "non-violent felony drug convictions". While there may be cases that should be reviewed, a blanket amnesty is a real bad move. This again will very likely increase the demand for drug use.

Having talked to some in the criminal justice system, the instance of heroin use and addiction has reached epidemic numbers here in Northern Lehigh County. Most of these addicts start by taking common prescription painkillers, then find that heroin is more readily available and less costly. Many of these addicts are starting out in the middle school years. Parents need to be aware and pay attention to any medications they have in the home. The treatment of heroin addiction generally has very poor results; good results are the exception. The heroin available today is very high quality and there have been over 3000 deaths in Pennsylvania in the last 5 years. There is also a large increase in hepatitis C connected to this use as it is often a social event. The other byproduct is an increase in burglary, retail theft, and prostitution to support their drug habit.  While the price of heroin has dropped today so much that it's similar to the cost of beer, this may be a marketing strategy by the drug cartels. When they feel the market has expanded enough, they raise the price. This could result in an explosion of theft and other crimes .

This heroin use epidemic will become a long term problem, it will result in many destroyed lives and the lives of their offspring. It affects all members of their families and has many negative consequences for the community. It is not like the drug use of the past, this is a suicidal habit that the majority of users will never overcome.