THOUGHTS ON SAFE-INJECTION SITES

Mr. Clement has made clear the difference between a safe-injection
site and treatment for drug and alcohol addicts. The safe-injection
site offers a clean environment for the injection of addicting and
illegal drugs -- it does nothing to treat the addiction, and only
allows addicts to continue their addiction until the drugs kill them.

An adequate treatment program includes the following elements in a
residential treatment centre:

- -Following detox, a more normal pattern and structure of living is
gradually established -- i. e., getting up at a regular time and
involvement in helping with some chores in the residence.

- -Education with regard to drugs --addiction issues are
stressed.

- -Group therapy led by a counselor, where clients can confront one
another with their addiction issues. Clients are supportively led to
an understanding of the negative consequences of their behaviour to
themselves and others.

- -Personal aftercare, either in a dwelling with others in recovery, or
in the community.

- -At this stage and beyond, the recovering addict may require financial
support for housing and living expenses while being integrated into a
safe environment and while getting job training.

This approach is obviously expensive and long-term. However, if over
time many addicts can be freed of their addiction, and become healthy,
productive citizens, something worthwhile will be achieved.

Addiction is not a matter amenable to a quick fix. I congratulate Mr.
Clement on speaking out so clearly on this matter.

K. G. Atkinson, Vancouver.