Russel Brand has just finished giving evidence on drugs (based on his own past usage and rehabilitation) to the Home Affairs Committee:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2012/apr/24/theresa-may-abu-qatada-politics-live
At various points he echoes many of the sorts of sentiments I hold;
Q: Is addiction self-induced? And does it involve victims?
Brand says the victims of drug-related crimes need to be taken care of. He says he met a senior police officer recently who argued that addiction should be seen as an illness. Brand says he committed crimes when he was an addict. Chip Somers was an armed robber.
Q: So does there need to be a carrot and a stick?
Brand says there is no need for a carrot or a stick. Addicts need love and compassion.
Evidence like this from someone like Brand may help to shift attitudes towards ‘softer’ attitudes about those using drugs. Lets hope so.
Steve
I saw Russel Brand present his evidence to the committee, I also felt he did a good job and spoke with compassion and sense with reference dealing with addicts. However, there are still victims in most cases of associated crime that comes with maintain the ‘habit’ and this need to be addressed. A suggestion maybe that victims play a part in monitoring the progress of the drug rehabilitation of the offender, and then consider if any punitive action would be beneficial. Either way Brand’s comments should be taken seriously and acted on.
hi,
Thanks for your post, Duncan.
There has been a lot of talk (not least of all from ourselves) about employing the insights of former service users in assisting desistance. I’m not sure I’ve come across the idea of victims playing such a hands on roll before. Interesting. Not sure I’m completely sold on it, but certainly one for discussion.
Steve