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Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse (MAMA) has been working to reduce the harm from drug use and drug policy since 1982.  Our approach is based on personal responsibility and informed decision, making with respect for human dignity.

We think it is realistic to acknowledge that a person is going to make their own decisions about drugs regardless of what the police, their mother, their friend or their doctors say.  The more knowledge a person has about the drugs they might choose to use, the more likely they will make decisions that will reduce the harm.  

If they use clean needles, they will reduce the chance of getting disease.  If they know how many drinks per hour their body can process to prevent dieing from binge drinking, they are less likely to use in excess.

Prescription drugs taken properly, not in overdose, kill over 100,000 people a year.

With illegal drugs, people are often afraid to seek help due to the illegal nature of the drugs.

Letters we get from people who have lost family members who had an adverse effect from aspirin, are tragic.  The statement I hear most often is we had no idea you could die from taking aspirin.  

Other over the counter drugs cause many death and physical problems are not safe.  The use of drugs in combination present even more problems.

With the story of tobacco we  have seen that education works, as so many have quit using.  

Treatment on demand for all drugs would be another important component to reducing the harm.

Empower the individual through education.

Sandee Burbank, Executive Director  Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse  mama@mamas.org    www.mamas.org541-298-1031
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posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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