[Xylakant]

No, no one at the highest policy/government levels is doing anything about that. It would require treating drug addiction as a health care issue, with a plan to solve the underlying root causes, support and care for the affected and substantial funding on the ground level for support networks and other institutions that actually work in the space. Housing programs and drug decriminalization may also be worthwhile evaluating.

But that’s hard, unglamorous work, out of the limelight with people that are sick, addicted, grimy. No spectacular fireworks.

(Sorry for the rant)

[burningChrome]

>> care for the affected and substantial funding on the ground level

Not sure what you would expect, but on a state level. My state has hundreds of millions in funding for free clinics, free treatment centers, free methadone clinics, free housing, and free welfare. If people really want to get clean, they can.

This isn't a problem of funding either on the state or federal level, its a bunch of NGO's getting rich making sure the situation continues by handing out free tents, clean needles, narcan and "safe zones" where people can do their drugs without interference.

When you make it easier to stay addicted and homeless? Those who are in that situation will continue to take the easy route. Its not easy getting clean and this is 100% on the individual to make the choice to get clean. When you encourage addiction and make it socially acceptable, is it any wonder this issue isn't getting any better and in fact, is well past a crisis point now.

[nielsbot]

> its a bunch of NGO's getting rich making sure the situation continues by handing out free tents, clean needles, narcan and "safe zones" where people can do their drugs without interference.

There will also be those who try to take advantage of government funding. But the gross handouts to the Pentagon, we can and do audit NGOs. I doubt fraud is the biggest issue here, but if you have studies, please share them.

> Those who are in that situation will continue to take the easy route

Are you saying it's a personal choice and not a mental health problem?

> When you encourage addiction and make it socially acceptable

I don't understand how spending money on housing and addiction treatment is doing that. If you want to encourage addiction and make it socially acceptable, you just don't spend money on housing or treatment.