Pubdate: Sun, 09 Sep 2007
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Raju Hajela

ADDICTION AT ROOT OF PROBLEM

Mental health - Re: "Mental health centre set for Calgary; New 
national body aims to educate public," Sept. 1.

I applaud the establishment of the national Mental Health Commission. 
I hope its goal will include promoting a change in the provision of 
health care services in addition to reducing stigma.

The vast majority of mental health care in Canada is provided by GP 
psychotherapists, family physicians, psychologists, social workers 
and other counsellors, not psychiatrists. Medical, surgical and 
psychiatric hospital wards are filled across Canada by patients with 
complications of substance-related (substance abuse and substance 
dependence) disorders and addiction-related problems that remain 
untreated and/or mistreated.

A massive effort is needed for not only public education, but also 
appropriate training of care providers that remains inadequate at 
present, together with assessment and treatment services. Addiction 
remains the most treatable untreated illness in our society that is 
the biggest contributor to mental health problems in individuals, 
their family members and communities across Canada.

I would urge the directors and chair of the Mental Health Commission 
to be mindful of the real issues that require meaningful attention.

Raju Hajela, Calgary
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom