Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jun 2016
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
Page: C2

HOW READERS WOULD DEAL WITH 42,000 ADDICTS

It has always seemed absurd to me. It's just a legal dependency being
substituted for an illegal addiction.

Eureka! Last week I reported it was impossible to write this column. I
had asked readers to respond to how I believe 42,000 addicts on
methadone should be treated. Then my computer developed terminal
cancer and I thought all your responses had been lost. Fortunately,
the "Geek Squad" resurrected them.

 From a Times Colonist reader, "Your suggestion that sending addicts to
northern Canada to chop wood caught my eye. I was impressed by your
research. The addicts I have known have no interest in getting off
methadone and improving themselves. I say, enough of this nonsense.
Why not have them chop wood? We all do some form of work to eat."

This reader then added, "I initially believed that the practice of
hanging drug dealers in Singapore was too extreme. But on further
thought I'd hang them myself if they gave heroin to my healthy
innocent granddaughters."

B.L. writes, "I have been employed as a correctional officer since
1980. In those days, heroin addicts would be placed in the medical
unit without methadone. They had a few painful days, but were then
back to normal. You are right that doctors see a financial windfall
and will not stop using methadone. The whole system is wasting
taxpayers' money and the government seems oblivious to it."

B.R. says, "I don't reply to columns, but feel compelled this time. I
strongly disagree with methadone clinics and our permissive attitude
to drug lords. In yesterday's newspaper, Philippine president elect
urged the public to kill drug dealers. I'm friends with many police
officers who say our system is broken in favour of the bad guys. I say
thugs should be put on display at City Hall. Your article hits an
important issue that we must all be responsible for our actions."

 From Thunder Bay, "Bravo to your article. The drug industry will be
mortified by this column. Methadone is just swapping one drug for
another. As you stated no one has died from drug withdrawal, but
millions have died from drug usage. Keep up the good work."

P.D. says, "My wife and I always look forward to your columns. I met
the director of the Vancouver Narcotics Addiction Foundation who
explained the methadone program to me. It has always seemed absurd to
me. It's just a legal dependency being substituted for an illegal
addiction. I'm pleased you have blown the whistle."

 From Courtney, B.C. "We agree 100 per cent with your opinion. We don't
try to cure alcoholics with free liquor and the same reasoning should
apply to drug addiction which taxpayers are forced to pay. And my
thanks to all the good medical advice you pass along."

But I was taken to task by some readers.

H.M. says, "I read with dismay your recent column. What has happened
to your compassion? Is your solution punishment for every addiction,
alcohol, cigarettes, food? Wouldn't the doctor's credo of 'do no harm'
apply to addiction?"

Another writes, "Punishing drug addicts is a very outdated theory.
Addiction is a disease of the brain. Punishment should be doled out to
doctors who carelessly write opiate prescriptions."

W.T. says, "I enjoy the wisdom of your columns. But I was disappointed
to discover a fascist streak in your personality. Like a la Hitler and
probably Trump, you are not a supporter of human rights.

"Personally, I believe drug use should be legalized and if anyone
steps over the line they then face the criminal system, and yes, chop
wood. Having said this, keep up your excellent column, warts and all."

The column certainly rang a bell as some readers sent me 800-word
replies. The majority deplored today's politically correct actions of
offering free drugs, needles, places to shoot up and promoting the
victim, "poor you," mentality. Others were amazed that 42,000 addicts
were being treated with methadone in a single province at great
expense. Still others are appalled at seeing addicts lined up at their
local drugstore to get a daily fix. I would like to thank those who
took the time to respond. And, of course, my thanks to the Geek Squad.
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MAP posted-by: Matt