Pubdate: Sat, 16 Apr 2016
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Carolyn Herbert
Page: B7

TAKE THE CRIME OUT OF THE DRUG CYCLE

Re: Ottawa should have supervised injection sites, April 5.

The tragedy is that a safe site is only half of the solution to 
addiction. "They would have to bring their own drugs," you state. 
This means usually illegal activity. And not-always-clean drugs. And 
the crime supply-line.

Would it not make more sense for addicts to get a legal prescription 
for their needed drug paid for by the government at first (after 
consultation with a physician to determine the need). Then, to have 
the prescription filled in a secure pharmacy on a controlled schedule 
so the addict does not have to go through the anguish of withdrawal 
before the next dose?

With the staff at the injection sites, a relationship of trust could 
be developed and gradually the medication could be adjusted to a 
lower level as the person's life stabilizes. Then the person could be 
open to treatment.

For some, healing is possible. For others it will be a lifelong need 
to have their drug. But meanwhile we can take the crime out of the 
cycle and neighbourhoods become safer.

Carolyn Herbert, Nepean
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom