What do you think of the Vienna Declaration?

Drug policy has had a significant influence on how health care providers attend to the needs of patients with addictions and co-related illnesses (HIV, Hep C, mental illness). While addiction is considered to be a bona fide illness - stigma related to morality and politics have largely dictated treatment and also, have influenced public perception of those ill. Illicit substance use is largely underground and in many areas, users share paraphernalia. It is also well documented that they engage in other risky behaviors and are less likely to engage with the health care system - reducing their chances of prevention, early intervention and treatment.

The International Aids conference in Vienna next week has created a declaration created by experts in HIV/AIDs - is asking the public to think about this statement: "The criminalization of illicit drugs users is fueling by the HIV epidemic and has resulted in overwhelmingly negative health and social consequences. A full policy reorientation is needed." And if you agree, to sign their declaration.

Anyhow - I am interested in what you guys think. Do you agree with the above comment? Have you had different experiences?
I have read this 4 times, and I'm still not sure what they are getting at. That we decriminalize the drugs? The users? Provide clean needles? What are the PLANS?The fact is, there have always been, and always will be, some element of society that lives outside of the mainstream no matter how we try to help them. And it seems like no matter what is done to provide them with optimal care, they are not capable of accepting the care that is offered. Show me the plans.

Quote from mamamerleeI have read this 4 times, and I'm still not sure what they are getting at. That we decriminalize the drugs? The users? Provide clean needles? What are the PLANS?The fact is, there have always been, and always will be, some element of society that lives outside of the mainstream no matter how we try to help them. And it seems like no matter what is done to provide them with optimal care, they are not capable of accepting the care that is offered. Show me the plans.

I work LTC/Rehab, over the last few months we have admitted 4 or 5 patients with drug addictions. My job is to treat thier illness' that brought them to my unit. Sad to say we have had a couple who after discharge went right back to thier old ways and ended up on my unit again. We do not treat them as criminals, we treat them as people with health issues. While I agree that this is the way they should be treated, legalizing drugs would not help the situation. I wish that once done at my facility, these people could go to a drug rehab. But that is not possible unless they want to go, you can lead a horse to water.....

Quote from gentlegiveri work ltc/rehab, over the last few months we have admitted 4 or 5 patients with drug addictions. my job is to treat thier illness' that brought them to my unit. sad to say we have had a couple who after discharge went right back to thier old ways and ended up on my unit again. we do not treat them as criminals, we treat them as people with health issues. while i agree that this is the way they should be treated, legalizing drugs would not help the situation. i wish that once done at my facility, these people could go to a drug rehab. but that is not possible unless they want to go, you can lead a horse to water.....

Quote from oryxandcakeDecriminalization is not the same as legalizing. Decriminalization refers to no longer making it a crime to use drugs; however, regulations would still be in place for people who use. Legalization on the other hands means that all legal restraints would be removed. "

Quote from gentlegiverIf it is no longer a crime, doesn't that make it legal?? I can't seem to wrap my brain around this one.

Eh, screw it. I didn't understand it. Found this as I googled.Decriminalization: