Pubdate: Sat, 26 Mar 2005 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: Thomas D. Leaver Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n465/a02.html?40370 ADDICT NEEDS HEALTH FACILITY, NOT PRISON Re: "Addict gets his wish: More time in prison," Journal, March 18th. Very few people sympathize with drug addicts who commit crimes to support their addictions. After all, they voluntarily became junkies despite all warnings. However, when one wishes so much to kick the habit that he is prepared to spend an extra six to eight months in jail, then we should be prepared to help him in all ways possible. This addict is in need of a health facility, not a jail, and health is a provincial matter, not federal. It is therefore surprising that the provincial government is not supplying that need. Maybe if the provincial and federal health ministers put aside their turf wars and jointly sponsored such a facility we would all benefit with shorter terms of confinement, less crime, safer streets and the knowledge that we have helped someone straighten out. A win-win situation. Thomas D. Leaver, Edmonton - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom