Pubdate: Fri, 21 Oct 2005
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Paul Garfinkel, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1649.a11.html

TORONTO'S DRUG STRATEGY SHOULD BE APPLAUDED

Re: Why won't city stigmatize crackheads?

Column, Oct. 17.

Rosie DiManno says that she finds the tone of the Toronto Drug
Strategy objectionable for taking a non-judgmental approach to drug
use rather than stigmatizing "crackheads." She also implies that the
city has perhaps chosen the wrong drug (i.e. tobacco) for its most
stringent controls.

DiManno should take a look at the facts. What drug costs Ontarians
close to $4 billion per year? What drug is responsible for 82 per cent
of all drug-related deaths? Tobacco.

At the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, we applaud the city of
Toronto for taking a fact-based, non-moral approach to the broad range
of drug issues affecting the city. Tobacco strategies include a range
of interventions including legislation, prevention and smoking
cessation. Other forms of drug use also need a comprehensive approach
- -- like crack cocaine. DiManno's preferred approach -- treating
addiction to illicit substances as a moral weakness and not a health
concern -- has been the tactic often taken in the past, without success.

We need a more effective methodology that combines education,
prevention, harm reduction, treatment and enforcement if we're going
to make a positive impact on drug use in Toronto. We need to recognize
that different people respond to different approaches and that total
abstinence is not always possible for some drug users.

International research is clear that it will take a comprehensive
approach -- bringing together the energies of the health, social
services, housing, education, employment and criminal justice systems
- -- to impact our complex drug problems and their effects in our
community. The Toronto Drug Strategy has taken that approach.
Stigmatizing people who are addicted to drugs isn't the answer.

Paul Garfinkel, President and CEO

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Toronto
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin