We think we have a problem now?
Just wait until Luxon's 'Move On' laws take affect.
Self Medication as a response to the criminalisation of homelessness.
(Without solving the housing crisis, what other response do vulnerable homeless people have?)
The shopkeepers and business owners in Wellington and Auckland and tourism industry might think they have a problem now.
But if we don't solve the housing crisis, and instead increase the stress of being homeless, what are the homeless going to do?
'Move On Law' crashes up against the 'Law of Unintended Consequences'.
Self Medication as a response to the criminalisation of homelessness.
Does criminalisation of homelessness lead to increased drug addiction?
Ask Google AI:
Yes, research suggests that the criminalisation of homelessness can lead to increased drug addiction and worsened substance use disorders. Punitive measures, such as ticketing or arresting individuals for sleeping, sitting, or camping in public, create a cycle of poverty, stress, and trauma that exacerbates drug use rather than treating it.
The Cycle of Criminalization;
Criminalization often acts as a "revolving door" that does not address the underlying causes of homelessness. Studies show that people who are forced to live on the street are more likely to experience increased drug use, and these policies often result in higher mortality rates due to overdose, as individuals are pushed into more dangerous behaviours.
Oregon (A case study)
Oregon's homelessness crisis intensified rapidly in the mid-2010s. This period was marked by the acceleration of high unsheltered rates.
Around 2013 Oregon began aggressively began enforcing ordinances banning camping and sleeping in public spaces.
Due to a severe shortage of affordable housing (a deficit of nearly 98,000 homes) and economic insecurity, over 27,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness in Oregon, marking a 35% increase from previous counts the majority of these individuals remain unsheltered.
In 2025 the U.S. Supreme Court dominated by Trump appointees, ruled in Oregon v. Johnson that cities can legally enforce bans on camping and sleeping in public places, effectively allowing the nation wide criminalization of homelessness. This decision upheld ordinances that fine or jail people for using blankets, pillows, or boxes for protection while sleeping outside.
So how's that working out?
DISCLAIMER:
This video is for educational and documentary purposes only. It contains material that may be disturbing or offensive to some viewers, but it is presented in a truthful and non-exploitative manner. The views expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect the views of the creator or YouTube.
18K views Jun 17, 2024
Footnote:
This is part of a wider problem created by Nixons and USAs failed "war on drugs"
Listen to Johann Haris interview on his book
Johann Hari: "Chasing The Scream"
Johann Hari: "Chasing The Scream"
ReplyDeleteBruce Hornsby And The Range - The Way It Is (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drotpPX4kHQ