Oh really? How interesting.

It is good that all these MP's are deciding to own up to using cannabis. It is weird though that they decide to do it all at once. It makes you think that there is some sort of hidden agenda for doing so.

Dramatic confession??? Daily Echo - nobody cares!

Maybe all these revelations explain why they cannot be believed.
Why are they all doing it together - sheep following sheep
No wonder nobody trusts any of our politicians.

The_Shotster wrote:
It is good that all these MP's are deciding to own up to using cannabis. It is weird though that they decide to do it all at once. It makes you think that there is some sort of hidden agenda for doing so.

my thoughts exactly, it kind of makes me think they are either about to become really tough on it or really lenient on it....my guess is really tough (which would be pointless) but hey ho. Very interesting.

Mr Brown's spokesman said the Prime Minister - who has denied ever using illicit substances - was ''quite relaxed'' about his Cabinet colleagues' admissions of past indiscretions.

"quite relaxed" or monging out?

"past indiscretions"?
Well Prime Minister, i once snorted cocaine off of Mo Mowlams breasts, whilst jacking up on herion through my eyeballs, and being whipped by a small boy in a leather lederhosen... but i'm past all that now!!
God help us.

Big fat hairy deal. Who cares? Politicians involve themselves in a game that is essentially corrupt in nature, and IMHO commit far worse atrocities than smoking a bit of weed. This whole "I smoked dope, too!" bandwagon is pathetic

Who fancies clubbing together to bring a private prosecution over the cash-for-honours fiasco, since the CPS chickened out?

Big Dan Gleebles wrote:
Mr Brown's spokesman said the Prime Minister - who has denied ever using illicit substances - was ''quite relaxed'' about his Cabinet colleagues' admissions of past indiscretions. "quite relaxed" or monging out? "past indiscretions"? Well Prime Minister, i once snorted cocaine off of Mo Mowlams breasts, whilst jacking up on herion through my eyeballs, and being whipped by a small boy in a leather lederhosen... but i'm past all that now!! God help us.

we've all been there Dan. Oh the good old days. ;)

The youngsters will be really frightened away from drugs now. The recent confessions of Mr Denham & others quite clearly show a link between smoking dope & the downward spiral of joining the Labour Party.

oh, come on, let's get real.... anyone under 65 who claims not to have smoked dope is eithar a liar (and, therefore, unfit for political office) or a social misfit (and, therefore, etc, etc..)
We've all done it, even those who pretend not to, or say they didn't inhale (ha). There's noting to be ashamed of! It's all part of growing up, like fags, underage drinking and teenage sex.

I would think that Labour are getting all the skeletons out of the closet before pressing Cameron on his (alleged) habits at school / university.

dope fiend wrote:
oh, come on, let's get real.... anyone under 65 who claims not to have smoked dope is eithar a liar (and, therefore, unfit for political office) or a social misfit (and, therefore, etc, etc..) We've all done it, even those who pretend not to, or say they didn't inhale (ha). There's noting to be ashamed of! It's all part of growing up, like fags, underage drinking and teenage sex.

Speak for yourself! I have never smoked nor taken drugs (other than those prescribed for hayfever!). I am under 65 and not a liar. Likewise, I remained a virgin until my marriage and did not take my first alcoholic drink until the age of 35. Neither am I a social misfit as you imply. Please don't tar everyone with the same bruch.

dope fiend wrote:
oh, come on, let's get real.... anyone under 65 who claims not to have smoked dope is eithar a liar (and, therefore, unfit for political office) or a social misfit (and, therefore, etc, etc..) We've all done it, even those who pretend not to, or say they didn't inhale (ha). There's noting to be ashamed of! It's all part of growing up, like fags, underage drinking and teenage sex.

I am under 65 & fit in quite well socially, but I have never smoked dope. I have always exercised my CHOICE. Perhaps that makes me a leader & not a mindless follower & I am very happy if you think I am a social misfit.

Yawn. This really isn't 'news'. You'd think there would be more pressing issues in the region to report on.

A night in with GL or Hal must be a hoot!!

They are not saying it is right to smoke dope, all they are saying is they are human and everyone makes mistakes in life. It far more important to face up to your mistakes. Oh, no I've never smoke dope, but I also would not like to judge people because of minor mistakes as a youth.
Give us all a break and report on something interesting.

Party (not Labour)Animal wrote:
A night in with GL or Hal must be a hoot!!

Not only have I probably partied as much as you, but I also have the memories of great times to go with it. You don't need to have alcohol, drugs and sex to have a good time. It's only the media that portray this rather false and shallow image of "normal" life that the "sheep" in society blindly choose to follow.

Party (not Labour)Animal wrote:
A night in with GL or Hal must be a hoot!!

A night in with Party Animal would definately be all in his/her drug confused mind.

Hal Fulglass wrote:
The youngsters will be really frightened away from drugs now. The recent confessions of Mr Denham & others quite clearly show a link between smoking dope & the downward spiral of joining the Labour Party.

No guesses where the vote of Hal Fulglass is going!

Has anyone noticed that the other parties are not going for the throats and jobs of these Labour MP's like they normally would? We all know why that is. It is because they know full well that if everyone admitted it and were told to stand up all that would be left on the seats would be the arse sweat marks!

GL wrote:

dope fiend wrote: oh, come on, let's get real.... anyone under 65 who claims not to have smoked dope is eithar a liar (and, therefore, unfit for political office) or a social misfit (and, therefore, etc, etc..) We've all done it, even those who pretend not to, or say they didn't inhale (ha). There's noting to be ashamed of! It's all part of growing up, like fags, underage drinking and teenage sex.

Speak for yourself! I have never smoked nor taken drugs (other than those prescribed for hayfever!). I am under 65 and not a liar. Likewise, I remained a virgin until my marriage and did not take my first alcoholic drink until the age of 35. Neither am I a social misfit as you imply. Please don't tar everyone with the same bruch.

Did you not go to school either "bruch"....?

GL wrote:

dope fiend wrote:
oh, come on, let's get real.... anyone under 65 who claims
not to have smoked dope is eithar a liar (and,
therefore, unfit for political office) or a social misfit (and,
therefore, etc, etc..) We've all done it, even those who pretend not
to, or say they didn't inhale (ha). There's noting to be ashamed of!
It's all part of growing up, like fags, underage drinking and teenage
sex.

Speak for yourself! I have never smoked nor taken drugs
(other than those prescribed for hayfever!). I am under 65 and not a
liar. Likewise, I remained a virgin until my marriage and did not take
my first alcoholic drink until the age of 35. Neither am I a social
misfit as you imply. Please don't tar everyone with the same bruch.

Good for you. No, really. Even though I'm quite partial to the old recreational pharmaceuticals, I don't for one minute look down on the rest of the world for it, as many users seem to. People who remain virgins by choice, too, I think admirable

Funny how so many users bang on about "freedom of choice" but don't understand that freedom of choice extends to not doing things as well as doing them

Tory is Jackanory wrote:

Hal Fulglass wrote: The youngsters will be really frightened away from drugs now. The recent confessions of Mr Denham & others quite clearly show a link between smoking dope & the downward spiral of joining the Labour Party.

No guesses where the vote of Hal Fulglass is going!

My reference to Labour was not politically biased, they are the ones making the public confessions. It really does not matter. The message is "keep taking the drugs, there is always a job for destroyed brains in politics".

Why is this even a story!! Haven't the majority of people tried cannabis at some time in their lives, so what if they happen to be an MP. Why are they even admitting it, it has no relevence!

Do we really care. Although I appreciate that GL and Hal have not enjoyed the odd toke the majority of people under 50ish have dabbled in something in their younger years... is it any surprise that John Denham should be any different... I am certain there are many others who have just not yet admitted this yet and again.. do we really care..!!!!

I bet he never. I bet he's just saying he did so that he doesn't look out of place with his colleagues.

Who really gives a puff?

GL wrote:

Party (not Labour)Animal wrote: A night in with GL or Hal must be a hoot!!

Not only have I probably partied as much as you, but I also have the memories of great times to go with it. You don't need to have alcohol, drugs and sex to have a good time. It's only the media that portray this rather false and shallow image of "normal" life that the "sheep" in society blindly choose to follow.

Of course you need alcohol, drugs and sex to have a good time. Preferably all three in one night. Please don't take this as disrespect because your life is your life but if you haven't tried the wilder side of life how could you possibly know? For someone who hasn't tried it you have a very low opinion of the hedonistic lifestyle.

lake wrote:

GL wrote:

Party (not Labour)Animal wrote: A night in with GL
or Hal must be a hoot!!

Not only have I probably partied as
much as you, but I also have the memories of great times to go with it.
You don't need to have alcohol, drugs and sex to have a good time. It's
only the media that portray this rather false and shallow image of
"normal" life that the "sheep" in society blindly choose to
follow.

Of course you need alcohol, drugs and sex to have a
good time. Preferably all three in one night. Please don't take this as
disrespect because your life is your life but if you haven't tried the
wilder side of life how could you possibly know? For someone who hasn't
tried it you have a very low opinion of the hedonistic lifestyle.

"Having never taken drugs myself, I can safely say they have nothing to offer"

Doesn't work, does it?

lake wrote:

GL wrote:

Party (not Labour)Animal wrote: A night in with GL or Hal must be a hoot!!

Not only have I probably partied as much as you, but I also have the memories of great times to go with it. You don't need to have alcohol, drugs and sex to have a good time. It's only the media that portray this rather false and shallow image of "normal" life that the "sheep" in society blindly choose to follow.

Of course you need alcohol, drugs and sex to have a good time. Preferably all three in one night. Please don't take this as disrespect because your life is your life but if you haven't tried the wilder side of life how could you possibly know? For someone who hasn't tried it you have a very low opinion of the hedonistic lifestyle.

Think you need to throw in a touch of "rock and roll" to really get stoned, totally mullered and l**d. Don't believe what your Mum told you GL, she probably never tried it either....!

How many people at the ECHO use cannabis or other stuff. It's time to own up don't you think. Own up or shut up.

don wrote:
How many people at the ECHO use cannabis or other stuff. It's time to own up don't you think. Own up or shut up.

i think a lot of the journalists must be on drugs judging by some of the standards of the editorial

I think it is down to the individual to disclose their private life.

I don't see John Denham walking around the city with a spliff in his mouth, so unless he is advocating a relaxation of drug laws, I don't see the need for a fuss.

Lake claims that I have a "low opinion of the hedonistic lifestyle." Perhaps, but I know that I have a relatively enjoyable, contented and happy life without the worries that some misdemeanour will come back to haunt me. I also know that I'm not alone in finding excitement and enjoyment in far more lasting activities than a drunken night or two accompanied by a few joints and waking up with a complete stranger. It's fine by me if people want to "enjoy" themselves in these ways, but I've chosen a lifestyle that seems to go against the majority yet avoids some of the issues that sex, drugs and drink can often cause.

GL wrote:
Lake claims that I have a "low opinion of the hedonistic lifestyle." Perhaps, but I know that I have a relatively enjoyable, contented and happy life without the worries that some misdemeanour will come back to haunt me. I also know that I'm not alone in finding excitement and enjoyment in far more lasting activities than a drunken night or two accompanied by a few joints and waking up with a complete stranger. It's fine by me if people want to "enjoy" themselves in these ways, but I've chosen a lifestyle that seems to go against the majority yet avoids some of the issues that sex, drugs and drink can often cause.

that is well said GL and I won't argue with that, your previous post was far more damning and one sided. p.s You can enjoy sex, drugs and rock n roll with a long term partner you know, in fact it's even better

lake wrote:

GL wrote: Lake claims that I have a "low opinion of the hedonistic lifestyle." Perhaps, but I know that I have a relatively enjoyable, contented and happy life without the worries that some misdemeanour will come back to haunt me. I also know that I'm not alone in finding excitement and enjoyment in far more lasting activities than a drunken night or two accompanied by a few joints and waking up with a complete stranger. It's fine by me if people want to "enjoy" themselves in these ways, but I've chosen a lifestyle that seems to go against the majority yet avoids some of the issues that sex, drugs and drink can often cause.

that is well said GL and I won't argue with that, your previous post was far more damning and one sided. p.s You can enjoy sex, drugs and rock n roll with a long term partner you know, in fact it's even better

Better with several longterm partners at the same time.....!

GL wrote:
Lake claims that I have a "low opinion of the hedonistic lifestyle."
Perhaps, but I know that I have a relatively enjoyable, contented and
happy life without the worries that some misdemeanour will come back to
haunt me. I also know that I'm not alone in finding excitement and
enjoyment in far more lasting activities than a drunken night or two
accompanied by a few joints and waking up with a complete stranger.
It's fine by me if people want to "enjoy" themselves in these ways, but
I've chosen a lifestyle that seems to go against the majority yet
avoids some of the issues that sex, drugs and drink can often cause.

Good comment, GL, and anyone who puts you down or thinks less of you for it is a fool.

But why put the word "enjoy" in quotes?

DAILY ECHO EXCLUSIVE...........
....well thats a first!

I can't speak what the programme is. I've bean doking smope for ears and I haven't heather had a problem weed it. I am fooly funkyshional and in smoking order!

The way that I see it is that all the MP's are saying is that it was OK for them to try it, but not for us.

And if most of them are saying that they only tried it once or twice (Yeh likely) but they didn't like it then they must have been using the wrong stuff

Woopy-doo.

If people who did drugs weren't allowed to work for the ECHO you wouldn't have a paper anymore would you?

NOBODY CARES, find something original to write report on.

GL wrote:
Lake claims that I have a "low opinion of the hedonistic lifestyle." Perhaps, but I know that I have a relatively enjoyable, contented and happy life without the worries that some misdemeanour will come back to haunt me. I also know that I'm not alone in finding excitement and enjoyment in far more lasting activities than a drunken night or two accompanied by a few joints and waking up with a complete stranger. It's fine by me if people want to "enjoy" themselves in these ways, but I've chosen a lifestyle that seems to go against the majority yet avoids some of the issues that sex, drugs and drink can often cause.

Girv, is that you??

Big deal.

Am I the only person in the UK who hasn't touched the stuff ?

Probably not, but that's how it feels sometimes.

i,m sparticus,no,i,m sparticus,i smoked dope,no,i smoked dope,these hippy idiots are the ones who,ve ruined this country,what a pathetic joke they are.

If I'd raped or murdered someone 25 years ago, then if I confessed now I'd be punished the same as if I'd done it yesterday.
Thus, if John Denham has confessed to a criminal offence - an offence for which his contempories would have gained a lifelong criminal record for - which might have affected his selection as an MP, then why shouldn't he be punished now? How long do you need to keep criminal activity secret for before you get let off?

More poor editing by the Echo! It's meant to read 'Dope, says i smoked'?

So that's why John Denham is so lucid, intelligent and courageous!

Though I suspect he would have these qualities even without the grass.

I will never vote for Labour again after this dreadful revelation - it's back to the Tories for me

I believe in the decriminalisation of cannabis and other drugs but also alerting our population of its harmful effects (see article below)

John Denham is perhaps one of the very few honest, principled and selfless politicians we have left. Let us not forget that he had the courage to oppose and resign Blair's indiscriminate slaughter of Iraqi's, Brit's etc in compliance with the entire county's views over the conduct of an illegal war. We are lucky to have John - a person representing our views
----------------
DRUGS, ALCOHOL & CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Diversion from Prisons through Acudetox programs.

Reducing the appeal for addictive substances ought to be a priority of any drug policy either m Prison or on the outside.

Unfortunately, Criminal Justice Systems in many countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, fail to divert drug-related criminals from prison to rehabilitative agencies. However, each nation offers practical experiences in this field, which can be useful to open-minded individuals, the world over.

In this context the United States of America is enormously diverse and now subject to rapid changes due to its sheer desperation after years of arrogant complacency. Some 4 years ago, I published reports of my research, in our Prison Service Journal and elsewhere which demonstrates this point.

As a result of these earlier visits and my growing interest in reducing the rampant demand for drugs criminalising Britain, I devoted considerable energy in looking at systems around the world. In January 1995 my visit to India provided a most interesting insight into their penal and judicial system.

India still operates under the old brutal and barbaric British Prison Act of 1894 despite its Supreme Court having repeatedly declared it out of context with the modem constitution of the worlds largest, secular and vibrant democracy. In reality, the usual lip service, lethargy of its Judiciary and bureaucracy makes real change absolutely frustrating to both activists and professionals. Nevertheless, as one could see, a lot is being done behind the scenes to seek out its own traditional values towards punishment, rehabilitation and addiction which were destroyed by colonial imposition. Despite of the press notoriety of some prisons, I was freely allowed to video tape all I wanted to including interviews with veteran white British Prisoners comparing their treatment there to their time served in the UK. My ancestral Indian origin may have helped to develop a rapport with officials and open otherwise closed doors; it was a daunting but very worthwhile task. I had the opportunity to meet our equivalent of area managers, governors, chief constables, judges, NGO’s, social workers, medics etc. The areas, problems and the size of prison populations each of these officers controlled would naturally be vastly larger compared with the UK. The state of Maharashtra itself is almost the size of Britain!

There are many good practices, particularly in the field of drugs programs through Vipasna, Ayuverdic, Homeopathy etc. All addictive drugs including tobacco are prohibited in prisons. Skeptics would say, cultural differences may not lend such foreign ideas as practicable to Britain. I beg to differ. Like cricket, the Indian system is basically British founded; even though in the past 50 years it has had other influences; as indeed has the UK, largely if I may say so, due to the dedicated struggle of the Boards of Visitors . The impact of changes there are in many ways similar. Its superior prison buildings, meaningful work, basic practical education, utilization of meager resources, effective use of inmate labor, private enterprise, racial and religious tolerance, lower staff ratio, complaints system, self-help schemes, crowd control techniques, conjugal or family ties, calmness and discipline are some of the areas worth examining as indeed there are many aspects that the Indians could learn from us.

My first plea in early 1992 to explore some of my findings with a view to incorporate them within the new framework of our Prison Health Care fell on deaf ears. I persisted elsewhere including the drug strategists at the Home Office but the response was equally thwarted. I suspect this was due to orthodoxy, dogmatism, the invisible vested interests, the general bureaucratic politics of our drug policy or perhaps my handicap as a black activist in an establishment that has traditionally equated Britishness with ‘whiteness’

However, early last year, I was fortunate enough to catch the understanding ear of the Director General of the Prison Service who requested the reluctant Health Care division to examine my views and the NGO programs operating in the London area. A protracted correspondence and meetings ensued between the DG, the Health Care bureaucrats and myself.

This prompted me to revisit the US in July 1995; this time to the East Coast with particular emphasis on diversion of addicts from prison by the use of specially constituted drug courts. I observed 2 jails, police operations, courts, urine test laboratories, and various pre-trial services using traditional Chinese herbs I acupuncture and indeed the Lincoln hospital Substance Abuse Division in the Bronx. I was most warmly welcomed in the usual friendly and open American style.

Legalization for an alternative to enforcement has gained substantial ground in the US. Prosecutors, judges, economists, statesmen and academics have at long last come out of the closet to endorse alternatives to the ‘war on drugs’. One reason could be that US society had begun to feel the effects of some of the same despicable evils suffered in their backyard in Columbia or Peru; drug related violence, draconian abridgments of civil liberties, the ever rising resources into the police, courts or prisons to cope with the impossible demands on Law enforcement. Officials now publicly stress, the absolute necessity of focusing on reducing drug demand before any solution can be found and few politicians dare question this wisdom! Indeed, it was Judge Klein and Dr. Michael Smith of the Lincoln Foundation who pioneered the formation of the first drug court in Florida in 1989; this innovative idea now flourishes across their judicial systems. This eminent judge visited UK last year to address the NADA European conference. Regrettably the British deliberately ignored this conference, although I attended in my personal capacity.

COMMUNITY / DRUG COURTS: In the vast Court House complex in Washington DC that I visited, are 3 special drug courts, an in-house secure urine testing unit (Michael Gunn), the Pre-trial services (Jay Carver), the drug intervention program specialist (Darryl Green), police fingerprint identification center, the court/prison/program liaison officer (Bill Erhardt). All these service findings in respect of each defendant is instantly transmitted into the court room computer screen where they appear either upon first arrest or from remand jails.

The addiction history, its role in the current crime and urine test result at time of arrest are displayed on the screen and discussed in open court by all concerned. Not appearing for a test or refusing to give one is viewed by the court as a positive result and goes against the defendant in the judges balancing exercise. If children were in care due to parent’s addiction social services/courts would not return them unless they test negative. Consequently there seemed a greater incentive for people not to miss their test. Random records that were presented to me revealed that there were less than 2% ‘no shows’ compared with 11 % in Sweden.

Nevertheless judges refer most defendants to a rehabilitation program for at least 2 weeks before sentence. There they receive their first acupuncture treatment by a technician under the direct supervision (as required under current DC law) of Dr. Ken Carter, a Lincoln trained licensed acupuncturist. This miraculously calms them down in readiness for group counseling where addicts share their experiences and emotions. In accordance with judges orders patients are required to attend Acudetox sessions as well as a daily urine test for review by a judge in two weeks. Meanwhile upon a single positive test or a ‘no show’ the defendant is immediately recalled to court to explain the reasons for his failure. Minor breaches of positive testing are ignored at the judge’s discretion based on recommendation by individual case managers or other mitigating circumstances. The judges have the power to impose several other sanctions to gently pursuade the addict to comply. Only as a last resort would the court commit persistent defaulters to prison where early parole is also based on negative urine results.

Currently, 66% of addicts are diverted from prison and continue participating in the program for several weeks. Some stay much longer and provide peer support to new comers. It is claimed that the average detox period by this method takes 21 days. Treatments are conducted in a communal room in a relaxed atmosphere and takes about an hour each day. A single operator can treat a group of about 25 patients in an hour simultaneously. Periodically, cured addicts relapse due to some emotional trauma but the majority were said to return back to the program voluntarily whenever the need for support is felt.

NewYork also has several such but small integral drug courts. They broadly operate on the same principle. I visited the Midtown Community Court in Manhattan run by one young female judge, with an on site urine test analyzer, in a paperless environment linking results promptly for open display into the court room computer screens. One of her sanctions for first time offenders was for them to observe the court proceedings for 3 days followed by entering into an Acudetox program with Beverley Smith - another Lincoln trained licensed acupuncturist on the first floor of the same building in a quiet soothing atmosphere; a change from the intimidating atmosphere of the prison, police station or court room. The judge told me that attending court and seeing others go to jail gave first offenders an incentive to make an extra effort to succeed on the program. The alternatives were clearly obvious to the defendant.

I talked to atleast 10 judges; none of them seemed older than 45, yet streetwise and caring but firm. It seemed that they worked very closely with the pre-trial service program, the police and prisons.

Harm Reduction Center on the Lower East side of NewYork (a high HIV area) also run several street syringe exchange facilities along with addiction and stress management through acupuncture. The local community view syringes as encouraging addicts, hence the dedicated members of this NGO (non government organisation) have the daunting task to educate public opinion on which the meager state funding they receive depends.

The primary strategy is clearly to reduce demand for drugs and its so-called legal substitutes. Drug producing nations, under constant threat from the worlds only super power, the mighty United States of America, maintain that the only way this problem can be controlled is by reducing consumption; there was no practical way for anyone to stop exporting to that demanding and lucrative market.

In my view, Western drug policy has been systematically subordinated to a larger but silent foreign policy objectives in the so-called third world. The arms trade, geopolitics, neo-colonialism, covert designs to de-stabilize governments in the ‘public interest’ take absolute priority. Vast amounts of narco dollars are said to be used for such corrupt practices which in turn enriches and empowers rival criminal drug syndicates. There is also an uphill task against the local $20 billion legal Methadone lobby in the corridors of power. Obviously cash for questions command a strong force, as one suspects, does the indirect financial muscle of the drug barons. Legalised prescription drugs are also recognised currency within the community and indeed in prisons. In view of this scenario, one must recognise that no judicial or law enforcement system in the world can suppress an activity in which whole societies, politics and national economies are enmeshed. Consequently, in the long term, enforcement deserves much less priority for resources than does effective Acudetox program’s both outside and within prisons.

Even if all cartel bosses were killed and overseas sources completely eliminated, the domestic synthetic drug industry will have the capacity to fulfill this demand. It is said that locally produced designer drugs would have the same effect as cocaine or heroine, more addictive, longer lasting and may even be cheaper. In reality, it could be as readily available as sweets from a newsagent and thus foreign drug enforcement may be irrelevant to the drug problem.

Richard Cowan, Director of the National Organisation of the Reform of Drug Laws in the US, whom I initially met in London, represents the view that any form of prohibition must be counterproductive. Alcohol prohibition has been tried before in the US and recently in India. Both failed miserably for addicts but enriched bootleggers as indeed drugs are doing for the barons of both the illicit and legal suppliers today.

COST:
The road to recovery program’s cost an average of US $1,200. per person per annum compared with US $20,000. if the defendant is jailed, not to mention, the expense of supporting this damaged individual on completion of his sentence. The recidivism rate of treated individuals was said to be reduced by 43 %. It is no wonder that this method enjoys generous Federal and State grants in a land with an astonishingly high prison population, particularly of black people. The capitol cost of setting up a single Urine/Drug testing facility in the city court of Washington in 1992 was $25,000. It included six computers, bar coding and scanning equipment. The city had also budgeted $10 million for the entire court data systems to include the drug courts. The breakdown of estimated current costs are available if relevant.

LINCOLN HOSPITAL ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC:
This was the highlight of my visit. My wife, a chartered physiotherapist and established acupuncturist practitioner/tutor undertook a practical Acudetox training course under the NADA protocol there. She now hopes to offer the same in her training curriculum for NHS physiotherapists. There is absolutely no charge for this illuminating two-week practical and intensive training course.

So far over 4,500 people have been trained from all over the US, South America, Sweden, Italy, Hungary, Germany, UK etc. People trained at Lincoln have been able to train others in their own countries. Participants do not necessarily require medical qualifications, hence would suit even ordinary prison staff or social workers. Dr. Michael Smith, pioneered and heads this program. Carlos Alvarez and Jesse Morgan lead the training group of about 12 to 15 persons.

Each day at least 200 people drop into the Lincoln Substance Abuse Division from the street. No appointments are necessary nor are any questions asked in this non-judgmental atmosphere. Amongst them are traffickers as well as their customers. Patients are warned that acupuncture and the herbal medicine offered at the clinic are not some form of magical cure. Active participation of clients by improved diet, recreation, attitude etc. was vital for its success. Treatment may not help in some cases but it would certainly not produce any side effects.

The project also seeks to motivate them by breaking through the psychological barrier that impede goal attainment. In the predominantly black Bronx it is considered necessary to provide a knowledge base for understanding both the modern and historical contributions that Africans have made to world civilization. Likewise a similar approach is needed when treating Native Americans in other locations to try to inspire confidence in yet another system imposed on them by the invaders of their territory and social structure.

Fees (if not covered by Medicare) are charged on a sliding scale but lack of money does not debar patients. Some regulars, although now cured, occasionally needed a booster or support to cope with the cruelty of life outside. There were separate Women and Men’s groups who met regularly at the clinic. I was given a candid opportunity to observe these groups in action. The peer support and comradeship they shared with each other particularly in the Men’s group was amazing. I had never realised that men had such deep seated emotional problems and how easily they could become vulnerable.

Dr. Michael Smith, an ex-UN consultant on drugs and violence often lectures in South America, Italy, Sweden etc. His group also specialises and is highly experienced in Men’s problems both in and out of prison. No doubt they could be persuaded to travel to Britain to lecture at an appropriate venue or run a workshop if required.

Finally, I hope I have been able to inspire some interest within the British Criminal Justice System to examine my proposals in greater detail. The role of the judiciary is paramount in understanding the plight of the addicts and diverting them from prisons.

I am confident that this is America’s, Oriental based and universally accepted, success story in combating all forms of addiction, stress or anger. Most American ideas eventually infiltrate into Britain for better or worse (mostly for worse). Let us hope that the Lord Chancellor, in co-operation with the Prison & Probation Services would speed up this process sooner rather than later.

I am heartened to learn that various drug strategy’s have recently been launched including one by the Prison Service. However, with the greatest of respect, in my humble opinion, based on my limited experience, I wish I could be optimistic about its success. It does not seem to go anywhere near to addressing this serious problem without adequately trained staff that addicts would trust and other resources to match. I get the feeling that it is yet another attempt at repackaging an American failure; it appears judgmental, inflexible, punitive and largely based on futile control measures rather than reducing demand by creating a will or incentive for captives to succeed. Political expediency remains as ever the prime objective. Also I do not see much in it to solicit the assistance of the victims of our penal system; namely, families and children. I sincerely hope I am absolutely wrong on all counts but sadly one will have to wait a long time for results, while this pathetic situation escalates. In the meantime, the mandatory drug testing procedures are bound to produce a legal nightmare for adjudicators and the courts.

Yours etc.,
ANVER JEEVANJEE
Member IAT, SSAT, CSAT, BOV, PSRRG, FPFSG, CDAG Media etc