HOPE FOR HOLDING THE LINE ON HARM REDUCTION IN THE NETHERLANDS :

A Washington Post article on 23rd of June noted that “in cities across the Netherlands mayors and town councils are closing down shops where marijuana is sold . . . shuttering the brothels . . . considering a ban on the sale of hallucinogens.” The prospect seems real that the “orthodox Christian political party in the government for the first time” might also threaten needle/syringe exchanges, safe injection sites and methadone treatment.

The good news: a physician colleague who is a long-time leader in the area of harm reduction as it relates to substance use believes there will be no drastic changes in the status quo, and states quite explicitly: “Definitely methadone is not in danger and even medical prescription of heroin is safe-guarded in the [current] coalition government.” Sounds good!