VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Researcher calls for regulation as way out of toxic drug crisis
Researcher calls for regulation as way out of toxic drug crisis
Researcher calls for regulation as way out of toxic drug crisis
Friday 12th July 2024
Researcher Kora DeBeck discusses how regulating drugs could reduce overdose deaths and reshape drug policy in BC.
57 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Hopeful
Thought-provoking
Non-judgmental
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Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!A Call for Drug Regulation: Addressing the Toxic Crisis
Episode Overview
- Regulating drugs could reduce overdose deaths by ensuring safer supplies.
- Current drug criminalisation fuels stigma and diverts funds from health services.
- Drawing parallels to firearm and tobacco regulations offers a model for drug policy.
- Addressing root causes like trauma and marginalisation is crucial.
- A regulated framework focuses on health and safety rather than criminal penalties.
The high level, main problem I see right now is the catastrophic number of overdose deaths that we’re experiencing
In this episode of People First Radio, researcher Kora DeBeck dives into the pressing issue of the toxic drug crisis in British Columbia. With over 2,500 deaths last year due to unregulated drugs, DeBeck argues that regulation is the key to reducing these tragic numbers. She draws parallels to regulations in other sectors, like firearms and tobacco, suggesting that similar stringent controls could save lives by ensuring safer drug supplies.
DeBeck’s extensive research and experience in substance use and drug policy offer a well-rounded perspective on the benefits and challenges of drug regulation. She also touches on the broader harms of drug criminalisation, including stigma and the diversion of funds from health services to law enforcement. The episode provides a thought-provoking discussion on how a regulated framework could reshape the current landscape of drug use, focusing on health and safety rather than criminal penalties.
By addressing the root causes and societal impacts of substance use, DeBeck makes a compelling case for change. If you're interested in understanding the complexities of drug policy and the potential for regulation to mitigate harm, this episode is a must-listen.