Pubdate: Fri, 30 Sep 2016
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Dianne Pearce
Page: A15

WRITER DOESN'T UNDERSTAND ADDICTION

Re: "Best harm reduction is not to take drugs," letter, Sept. 28.

My dismay and bewilderment at the lack of knowledge, let alone
understanding, of the world of addiction quickly turned to frustration
that such a belief system exists in today's society. The author must
live in either a bubble or with a closed and unwelcoming mind.

There are myriad situations, many of them tragic and unforeseen, where
a person first falls prey to drugs, too many to list in this brief
response.

As for "the people who provide medical attention to those who overdose
must be weary of seeing the same people seeking to be saved time after
time," while I cannot speak on behalf of these dedicated people, I can
say it has been my experience that they are professionals with a sense
of humanity and an open, non-judgmental heart.

Dianne Pearce

Victoria
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