NEEDLE EXCHANGE: HELPING TO HARM OUR DRUG ADDICTS

Editor, The News:

Regarding Ray Carlson's recent letter ('Tough love with addicts useless,'
Opinion, Sept. 1).

I am intrigued by his sincere comments concerning the drug addiction
problem. Still, I continue to believe a "tough love" approach is required,
because it is altogether logical that since drug addiction is caused by the
continual use of narcotics, providing a safe place to "shoot up" is
counter-productive.

Mr. Carlson charges me with conjecturing that shoot-up houses are set up
"so that those suffering from drug addiction can continue their deadly
habit." I assume no such thing.

Those responsible for setting up "safe houses" are most likely sincerely
trying to help addicts.

My point is simply that I hold the opposite view, which is that safe
shoot-up houses are actually helping to harm addicts.

Mark B. Toth
Abbotsford