Opioids have been a huge problem in the United States since their introduction in the 1920’s (Katel 826). In fact, 250,000 Americans have died since the year 2000 from overdoses of painkillers and heroin use (817). Many people have tried many different methods to combat the epidemic that is spreading through the nation, but none have seemed to be effective. One method of much debate has been “safe injection sites,” where addicts go to inject heroin in a safe environment. Safe injection sites are not a valid response to the opioid epidemic because addicts will not use them, they ruin the area surrounding them, and are not solving the problem at hand.
The main problem with safe injection sites is that they are not keeping people from getting addicted, or helping those already addicted recover. While they have been successful in lowering …show more content…
Who wants to live or work next door to a place known for actively welcoming addicts to use drugs there? Dr. Johnson once again makes a good point on this, “Imagine how neighbors will feel when street-based drug dealers surround the injection sites,” (833). Drug dealers are not commonly known as real nice people, are they? Not only do the sites ruin market values for the buildings surrounding them, but the buildings that are already there will not be able to sell.
Dr. Johnson has a brilliant solution for the opioid crisis. He suggests that the government sell the not only opioids, but any addictive drug, including tobacco, themselves. A course would be required, as well as a picture ID, to ensure people know the risks of using these harmful substances. The government could then use the money made by selling the drugs to put toward medical expenses of those already addicted (833). This way, taxpayers will not have to pay for the operation, and it can be made sure that people are using drugs, not only in a safe, clean facility, but also
The main problem with safe injection sites is that they are not keeping people from getting addicted, or helping those already addicted recover. While they have been successful in lowering …show more content…
Who wants to live or work next door to a place known for actively welcoming addicts to use drugs there? Dr. Johnson once again makes a good point on this, “Imagine how neighbors will feel when street-based drug dealers surround the injection sites,” (833). Drug dealers are not commonly known as real nice people, are they? Not only do the sites ruin market values for the buildings surrounding them, but the buildings that are already there will not be able to sell.
Dr. Johnson has a brilliant solution for the opioid crisis. He suggests that the government sell the not only opioids, but any addictive drug, including tobacco, themselves. A course would be required, as well as a picture ID, to ensure people know the risks of using these harmful substances. The government could then use the money made by selling the drugs to put toward medical expenses of those already addicted (833). This way, taxpayers will not have to pay for the operation, and it can be made sure that people are using drugs, not only in a safe, clean facility, but also