My hope is that the supervised injection sites recently approved at four locations in Edmonton will become a jumping-off point for heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) in our province. In my opinion, it is the only way to tackle the opioid scourge that is leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. Countries like Switzerland have experienced rates of homelessness and property crime associated with problematic drug use approaching zero per cent after approving the use of HAT by qualified doctors. This approach is counter-intuitive to many, but the numbers speak for themselves. The health authority in the United Kingdom figures that for every dollar spent on harm reduction, it saves $3 in health services and enforcement. Steven Zerebeski, Beaumont [end]
Re. "What's the big hurry to legalize marijuana," Letters, Oct. 29 It sounds like this letter writer is harvesting facts from the "Reefer Madness" crowd. The winds of change have been steadily blowing, clearing the air and the smoke and mirrors regarding marijuana prohibition are being realized for what they are - lies. I would much rather the occasional whiff of pot while walking down the street than be choked out by more hot air on the issue. Steven Zerebeski, Edmonton [end]
