STOP THE DRUG EPIDEMIC

Dear editor,

I just wanted to respond to the letter written by Connie Alfred. I
completely agree with her that action needs to be taken to stop the
drug epidemic in our community.

I am a recovering drug addict. I was in the midst of all the addiction
in Port Hardy and I know what it feels like to be an addict.

I was lost, hurt, lonely, ashamed, angry; the list goes
on.

It was a powerful cycle that was spiralling out of control. I knew I
needed help.

My parents had done everything in their power to try and help me, but
I had to want it for myself. And I did. I thought about going to
treatment, but where is the nearest treatment facility? If there are
drug and alcohol workers, where are they? Why do I feel all alone in
this process? That's why I am writing this letter.

There are drug and alcohol workers in our communities, but why isn't
anyone being sent to treatment centers?

Why is there not more information out there telling drug addicts about
treatment?

I would have liked to have seen just one poster, one letter, even one
phone call that would have convinced me, or helped me know there was
help out there, and that people wanted to help.

Sure I saw the NA posters, but that just didn't seem to catch my
attention. We need drug and alcohol counsellors who are willing to do
whatever it takes to help these addicts.

When an addict has unconditional love and support from the whole
community, it has a great impact.

It could be NA meetings on-reserve, workshops on self-esteem, life
skills trainings or events in the community that interest them. We
need to connect them with the resources that are out there. They say
it takes a whole community to raise a child, but just remember that
most of these addicts are still children. When did we stop raising
them? It should never stop.

Throughout my four years as an addict, I only had one person sit down
with me and tell me I had a problem, that I needed help and that she
would be there any time I needed her.

This person made a difference for me

One person can make a difference in an addict's life by taking time to
show they care.

GLORIA WALKUS

Bellingham, Washington