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 - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom