Identifying the right tactics for drugs war

The scourge of drugs on Scottish society is well documented and the subject of much debate. This weekend the SNP gather in Aberdeen for their conference where drugs policy will again take centre stage.

A resolution to be put to members will call for reform of the “not fit for purpose” 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act and call for further powers to be devolved from Westminster.

An amendment goes further and will call on conference “to allow for the decriminalisation of possession and consumption of controlled drugs so that health services are not prevented from giving treatment to those that need it.” Such a commitment may prove too much for delegates. But the devastation wrought by drugs in our communities demands that every proposal, however radical, has the opportunity to be scrutinised on its merits.

In 2018, more than 1,000 Scots died as a result of the misuse of drugs. In Fife, five recent deaths have been linked to what local addiction services workers believe is a ‘bad’ batch of fake Valium pills currently doing the rounds.

Each drug-related death is a tragedy in its own right and represents a devastating loss of potential.

The wider impact on family and friends often goes unseen but can be carried for a lifetime and lead to further harm.

Many battles have been fought against drugs, but the war has never come close to being won.

It is for government to decide whether it is time for a change in tactics.