Nothing About Us Without Us? Are You Sure About That?

    Why is it important for those who claim to speak for us to identify as drug users?
We at DURAN  strongly believe that if you are making decisions on our behalf and yet are afraid to identify as a drug user then you may be part of the problem.We are so stigmatized by the labels placed upon us that we have to reclaim our identity and make it reflect the truth. The truth is that we are beautiful positive people who desire to have control over our bodies and what we choose to ingest.
    It is not a question of martyrdom or asking anyone to confess to illegal activity.The criminal justice systems of the world make being fully truthful dangerous for us and no one should risk incarceration unnecessarily. The reality of the situation is that if you have ever been busted for drugs, been forced into rehab, failed a drug test, or just looked high one time back in the 80's you have been labeled a "drug user" and you might as well wear it with pride. The old adage "once an addict always an addict" may not be technically true but "once stigmatized, affected for the rest of our lives" is a certain truth for drug users in this society.
   Check out the previous blog post "Definition of a Drug User" and you will see that the definition is broad.Therefore if you are ready to "come out" as a drug user and participate in our struggle for dignity and human rights then you are welcome to speak as a member of our tribe.If not then we will rightfully question your motives because it is necessary for our survival.
JUNKIE PRIDE!
TWEAKER PRIDE!
CRACK HEAD PRIDE!
STONER PRIDE!
ALCHOHOLIC PRIDE!
DRUG USER PRIDE!