Colombia's new law recognizes drug addiction as public health issue .

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Colombia Reports

Colombia's new law recognizes drug addiction as public health issue .
Wednesday, 01 August 2012 07:46 Adriaan Alsema

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos has ratified a law deeming drug addiction a public health issue rather than a crime, local media reported Tuesday.

The newly-enacted bill recognizes "the consumption and abuse of, or addiction to, psychoactive substances, legal or illegal, as a matter of public health and the well-being of family, community and individuals."

According to Liberal Party Senator Juan Manuel Galan, Law 1566 recognizes drug addiction as an "illness" and "guarantees (...) treatment."

With the new law in place, health insurance companies are obliged to cover the voluntary treatment of drug addicts. Until Tuesday, addicts could only obtain financial resources for treatment through legal action.

Read more: http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/25353-colombias-new-law-recognizes-drug-addiction-as-public-health-issue.html

[MindMover]

1. ++++++++++++

[Comrade Grumpy]

2. Latin America is leaving us in the dust when it comes to drug policy reform.

Colombia is by no means alone.

[Duer 157099]

3. Awesome

It seems so obvious.

[SoapBox]

4. We can't be bothered...

We're too busy with our "war" on drugs!?!?!

[Chemisse]

5. This is such a good idea.

Too bad the US would never do it.

[Uncle Joe]

6. Kicked and recommended for compassionate, logical and progressive thinking.

Thanks for the thread, Judi Lynn.