"Be in charge of your drug use!"

This article exemplifies what's wrong with a lot of harm reduction activism and (unfortunately) the reporting of the alternative press.

• The anecdotal report of a program focusing on 12 to 23 year old sex workers from Chicago is presented as "shooting down" hype around the Monitoring the Future survey.
• They present any increase in use of painkillers as prescribed medical use. Past year non-medical use of painkillers by 18-25 year olds is at 11.9%. I find that shockingly high.
• They characterize drug use and sex work by the women in the story as a simple lifestyle choice. I'm all for reducing stigma, but let's treat these women the way we'd want our sisters and daughters treated. Treat them with acceptance and compassion--and get them help. Some of these girls are in their early teens.
• Talking about how great it is that these kids are better educated about the drugs they are using.
  
• Telling a 13 year old to "be in charge of [her] drug use."