Pubdate: Wed, 12 Sep 2007
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1035/a01.html
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1035/a07.html
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1037/a04.html
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/letters/story.html?id=a96862b4-c3ad-4d5f-a9f7-6bb60fbc1910
Author: Rob and Susie Ruttan

YOUNG PEOPLE DON'T CHOOSE TO BECOME ADDICTS

Re: New treatment centre to offer help for teen drug addicts, 
Westcoast News, Sept. 7

While we were pleased to share the news about the youth treatment 
centre, we must point out that the report confused the two community 
organizations behind this project. Central City Foundation, which is 
providing the spectacularly beautiful site near Keremeos, is one of 
Vancouver's oldest charitable organizations. From Grief To Action is 
the parent support and advocacy society which has been speaking out 
for eight years about the critical need in B.C. for long-term 
residential treatment for addicted youth. Short-term stints in detox 
are ineffective. As one father noted, the addict just emerges with a 
fiercer craving than ever.

There is something else that we cannot ignore. Keremeos Mayor Walter 
Despot is quoted saying there will be some public opposition to the 
treatment centre: "It's kind of like sending [Vancouver's] garbage to 
Ashcroft."

These young people are not garbage; they are our sons and daughters. 
They did not choose to become addicts. Many young people experiment 
with alcohol and other drugs. Some lose control and the drugs start 
controlling them.

These young people need our help.

In fairness to the mayor, he was not expressing his personal view. 
Nevertheless, the parents of From Grief to Action couldn't just let 
those words stand.

This centre will help young people from across B.C. It may even save 
the life of a young person from Keremeos.

Rob and Susie Ruttan

 From Grief to Action: Families and Friends of Drug Users
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart