What is harm reduction in relation to the infiltration and abuse of drugs? Lieutenant Dave Remiker of the Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit spoke to Seehafer News to explain.
“What that is essential, society or the government acknowledging that our drug problem is severe, so let’s move in the direction of providing resources, equipment, paraphernalia potentially that is safer.” He added, “So, I think the objective behind all that is maybe getting to the point where they’re recognizing that the problem is so severe and out of control that we are going to do whatever we can to reduce the harm associated with drug use.”
Remiker says a step taken in that direction is the legalization of fentanyl strips, which are used by drug addicts to test their drugs for the presence of fentanyl.
“I called the District Attorney and asked if we’ve ever charged somebody with possession of drug paraphernalia related specifically to fentanyl test strips. She doesn’t recall a case like that, but the drug paraphernalia law is more primarily directed towards equipment or items that are used to inhale or ingest controlled substances. They’ve legalized it and I think it’s essentially going to allow the government to provide those more out in the community whether you agree with that or not.”
In addition, Fentanyl is becoming more the ‘drug of choice’ as users build up a tolerance towards heroin, plus it’s become more accessible. Remiker adds that it’s hard for him personally to comprehend that the government has gone in the direction of providing such tools to test for levels of fentanyl in their narcotics.
