Leading figure in drug addiction fight not hopeful on legalisation

One of the leading figures in the fight against drug addiction has admitted she does not hold out much hope for the SNP’s vote to legalise possession.

Sharon Brand, one of the key figures behind Recovery Dundee, said the party is going round in circles after similar calls have been made in recent years.

Recovery Dundee offers support for people dealing with addiction issues. Ms Brand has spoken in Holyrood about living through addiction.

Making possession of illicit drugs legal was one of the big announcements at the annual SNP conference in Aberdeen over the weekend, with party members voting overwhelmingly in favour of the position.

The party also called for drug laws to be devolved as they are currently reserved to Westminster.

The Scottish Government established a taskforce earlier this year in the face of increasing numbers of drugrelated deaths.

She said: “I’ve backed legalisation for a long time now, but this was mentioned in 2017 and it’s not moved on much, so 1,000 people will die before anything is done at this rate.

Addaction was more supportive of the SNP’s pledge.

Director Andrew Horne said: “Trying to arrest our way out of the problem has been a monumental failure, so it’s heartening to see a political party listening.

“Decriminalisation would be a big step forward, but it’s only the first part. We need to embrace more radical harm reduction measures like drug testing and consumption rooms, which make drug use safer and engages people in services.”