Thread by @MyHarmReduction

Starting now - our September #DrugResearchersRT.

https://twitter.com/MyHarmReduction/status/1310595815476428800

.@MayaSchenwar opening by discussing the 'alternative to incarceration' that many talk about - electronic monitoring. "We shouldn't have to choose between prison and prison-lite." They "widen" the net. Same with probation- classist, ableist, and racist system. Set many up to fail

.@MayaSchenwar now referencing drug courts as a common alternative to incarceration and the current overdose crisis. "Giving people the choice between prison and treatment is...essentially, mandating it." And although these have gained bipartisan support, are deeply problematic.

.@MayaSchenwar highlighting how it is important for us to be "conscious of the ways that Democrats are also complicit in the systems that punish people who use drugs," by supporting alternatives such as drug courts. Biden has said these are a part of his plan.

.@MayaSchenwar complicating the idea that everyone who uses drugs 'needs' treatment at all, or that mandating treatment is the only way to get people the help they need. Sharing her sister's story and how she herself saw the ways these strategies were not ultimately helpful.

.@MayaSchenwar discussing some of the limitations of drug courts including evidence to suggest that people are subject to more punishment and extended surveillance than had their charges been dropped or been allowed to access voluntary care. They also don't address WHY ppl use.

.@MayaSchenwar talking about how drug courts also don't always guarantee access to evidence based treatments such methadone or buprenorphine and impose abstinence on people when it can be lethal and drop tolerance. Sharing she lost her sister to overdose due to drug court. 💔

.@LVikkiml now taking over and speaking now about involuntary psychiatric commitment/confinement/treatment. Sometimes ppl who seek treatment voluntarily end up being confined against their will, or they are forcibly confined by family or others.

.@LVikkiml speaking about how the conditions of psychiatric confinement can be quite similar to those in imprisonment - punished and physically subdued, controlled access to food or medications, and confined to close quarters. None of this address underlying factors.

.@LVikkiml now talking about sex work and anti-trafficking courts - that target sex workers, rather than the supposed "traffickers" despite the name - there are 11 in NYS. They don't provide alternatives that acknowledge that sex work is work and people need work/livelihood.