Pubdate: Fri, 21 Feb 2003
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Gertie Pool

ADDICT THANKED FOR MESSAGE

THE EDITOR:

I would like to thank I.E Hawksworth ['Former addicts says methadone not 
the answer,' Times Letters, Feb. 14] for the positive input towards saving 
lives.

The writer's revealing story is an eyeopener into the life of drug 
addiction many of us do not understand. It is my firm belief that for 
anyone wanting to kick the habit Abbotsford is the place to be.

Abbotsford is a community where most people look beyond their narrow self 
interest and do care for one another. Our community has a solid base of 137 
church affiliations offering all sorts of programs to help those in need.

Setting up safe injection sites, although well intended, still leaves the 
question of where, and how, drug addicts get the funding to feed their habit.

Why would a government want to lend a helping hand for addicts to continue 
a downward spiral toward destruction when they can provide detox and 
treatment centres where drug users can go for much needed help?

There are plenty of recovered drug addicts living in our city who have 
established a great life for themselves and their families, I wish more of 
them would speak out.

Gertie Pool Abbotsford
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom