Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jun 2005
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Fred Moore
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n983/a07.html?83233

ADDICTS MUST ACCEPT SOME RESPONSIBILITY

THE EDITOR:

Re: 'City abandons its addicts,' Times Opinion, June 17.

Christina Toths column is filled with compassion for the plight of the 
addicts in Abbotsford because of the recent zoning bylaw change proposed by 
the city council. As a Christian, I certainly agree that compassion is needed.

However, I do have a question regarding responsibility. Toth says, "This 
city is giving up its responsibility for you [addicts]."

Is there not the distinct possibility that the addicts have the major 
responsibility for the deplorable condition in which they find themselves? 
No one ever became an addict without choosing to take these drugs, with the 
possible exception of the very few who may be addicted because of 
prescription drugs given to them by physicians attempting to treat 
illnesses. For most of those on the streets of nearly every community in 
B.C., they are addicts because they chose to allow themselves to follow 
that path.

Certainly, compassion is needed. But I can't help but wonder whether the 
greater compassion might not be shown by helping them get into one of the 
many treatment centres in our community and encouraging them to accept the 
responsibility of getting their lives cleaned up.

Fred Moore, Abbotsford
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom