If drug addicts commit a crime, they no longer necessarily need to be locked up. For several years now, the Narcotic Drugs Act has provided for the possibility of “therapy instead of punishment”. But a court expert is now standing in front of the judge: “The model is doomed to fail!”
Therapy is far too short at six months, and there is a lack of proper inpatient care facilities in some federal states. We all foot the bill for myopic thinking. Because nine out of ten addicts don’t get out – and for them the vicious circle of addiction starts all over again.
Next week, another major drug trial against several dealers will start at the regional court of Klagenfurt. A few years ago, Carinthia was purely a transit point for narcotics from Slovenia to Vienna and Germany, but today the substance hangs around Lake Wörthersee. Every year, thousands of kilograms of heroin, cocaine, cannabis and designer drugs worth millions enter the market.
Therapy is useless, says psychiatrist
As one of the reasons why Carinthia is degenerating into a high drug country, experienced court expert Franz Schautzer pinpoints the problems in the treatment of addicts. As is well known, addicts often no longer have to be locked up, but are sentenced to “therapy instead of punishment” under §39 SMG (narcotics law).
“However, from a therapeutic point of view, the model in this form is doomed to fail – a real nonsense,” says psychiatrist Schautzer in the “Krone” interview. “Because this prescribed therapy only lasts six months – way too short, way too little! – and is not really monitored and supervised by the judiciary. Unfortunately, the state cannot and does not want to afford drug addicts anymore.”
Drug addiction is “one of the worst stories imaginable,” Schautzer knows from his years of practice. In addition, in some states there is a lack of inpatient facilities with an adequate supply.
Model brings little success
The chance of success for drug addicts who want to break out of the vicious circle is correspondingly small. Statistics circulate in legal circles that assume less than ten percent – in other words: for nine out of ten addicts, therapy is useless, they relapse.
Schautzer confirms this experience: “The success rate is definitely in the single digits.” He therefore calls for urgent reforms. Like alcoholics, drug addicts need lifelong support to help them. “Because the fight is worth it for everyone.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
