Pubdate: Fri, 21 May 2004 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Michael Yoder Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n740/a08.html LOOK AT ROOT CAUSES OF DRUG USE Re: "Pushing off the drug pushers," editorial, May 18. I agree with much of what the writer states about how complex the issue of drug use is and how we treat (or don't treat) people who are addicted. But I think the "war on drugs" has never focused on the right "enemy." Drugs of one kind or another have been with us for eons, and we must shift our view from one of loathing to one of compassion. We have to stop locking people up and, instead, look at the root causes of why people use drugs in the first place: poverty, childhood sexual and physical abuse, violence, and the hopelessness, depression and mental illness faced by so many. Until then we will see the pointless "battle" waged over and over with no resolution, only more hurt and pain. Victoria AIDS Resource and Community Service Society (VARCS), operates the Mobile X mobile needle exchange and until our society learns to value life for its own sake, and works to truly support those who are poor and suffering, needle exchange on the streets and in every part of our communities will remain a necessity. Michael Yoder, executive director, Victoria AIDS Resource and Community Service Society, Victoria. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh