Pubdate: Thu, 09 Nov 2006
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2006 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Sharene Gilchrist

FORGET 'TOUGH LOVE'

Re: Getting 'Tough-Love' On Crime, Nov. 4.

As a youth worker, I have worked with youth of many ages and 
backgrounds who have had addiction problems, and have seen youth with 
addictions from mild to life-threatening. I have seen and studied 
various techniques for dealing with drug use, and the "scared 
straight" or boot camp approach is largely regarded as ineffective. 
Taking your children to jail should be a last resort. The solution to 
a drug problem is not to take the drugs away from the kids, or to 
take the kids away from the drugs. It's to find out why the kids are 
doing them in the first place. Drug addiction is the symptom of a 
problem, not the problem itself.

Winnipeg is host to several drug treatment programs but more are 
needed. It would certainly be nice if a simple thing like three days 
in jail would cure anyone of a serious addiction, but the reality of 
addiction treatment is a long and difficult process. What Winnipeg 
needs is a good, secure, long-term facility that can take in addicts 
of all ages and backgrounds and treat them in an appropriate, caring 
and professional way.

Sharene Gilchrist

Winnipeg
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MAP posted-by: Elaine