Pubdate: Tue, 29 Oct 2002
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Barry Joneson

NO QUICK FIXES - LETTER 3 OF 5

Some readers think helping addicts out of the abyss is better than enabling 
them to make drug suppliers rich

I agree that "addicts need the cure, not the poison," as Vancouver police 
Sergeant Al Arsenault suggests (Officer sees right wing as fix for drug 
mess, Oct. 26). I am a recovering addict and the article states a point of 
view that the vast majority of addicts in recovery agree with.

But one would have to wonder why he would take a risk and let his point of 
view be known. After all, it's at the very least controversial in light of 
all the efforts to promote harm reduction.

I believe he's taking the risk, in part, because of the years he has spent 
in the Main and Hastings area as a police officer. He has spent a lot of 
time watching the horrors of addiction unfold before his eyes and he has 
taken the time to learn about the problem and what the solution could be.

There are many of us who have escaped the insanity down there and have 
become acceptable, responsible and productive members of society. A large 
majority of those still there could do the same if they chose to. The sad 
part is that, by providing them with drugs and places to use, they will 
feel less inclined to get out.

It would be foolish to spend taxpayers' dollars to enable and look after 
those who have no desire to take care of themselves. Any money spent in 
this area should be to provide treatment for those who want to change.

Harm reduction is big business and the service providers and pharmaceutical 
companies will benefit from it. If implemented, it will be one of the 
biggest businesses on the Downtown Eastside, funded with taxpayers' dollars.

Hopefully, more people who have a social conscience and understand 
addiction like Mr. Arsenault will come forward to add a little heart and 
soul to an issue that is not about dollars and cents but more about human 
pain and suffering.

Barry Joneson

Burnaby
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