FORMER ADDICTIONS MINISTER URGES MANDATORY YOUTH DRUG TREATMENT

As the former minister solely responsible for mental health and addictions,
I implore legislators to move quickly to institute mandatory drug detox and
treatment for youth.

I know this is a controversial issue that raises red flags with libertarian
purists, who claim that people should be free to decide for themselves how
they want to live.

But the pressure on today's youth is enormous, and life is complicated.

In the '80s and '90s, we raised our children to believe that life was fair.

The fact is it isn't. For whatever reason, drugs are becoming some kids'
reality. And it is killing them.

The academics can discuss how and why children become addicted, but parents
just want to save one child at a time, starting now.

Just as the Mental Health Act allows for people to be committed without
their consent, a similar act should apply to children who are incapacitated
due to drug abuse.

Addicts have told me of the hold that drugs have on them -- a hold so
strong they'd literally kill for it.

The current epidemic with crystal methamphetamine is a good example.

How can we expect anyone in that state of mind to make an informed decision?

We have all heard of or seen people so enraged, psychotic and generally out
of control that they are in danger of hurting themselves or others.

Think of how helpless a mother must feel watching this episode taking place
- -- and then being told she has no ability to save her child from him/herself.

No baby is brought into this world with the dream of being an addict.

Addiction is a complicated physical and mental problem, and a new frontier
in health care.

There are no easy answers. But there are dedicated health professionals
working to assist parents and children.

And, yes, it is imperative more detox and recovery facilities are built
that are specifically geared to youth.

New and innovative ways to support families must be generated.

The problem of drugs in our society is enormous and sometimes overwhelming.

We can complain and argue about the effectiveness of the "four-pillar"
approach toward drug use.

But what is most important to the parents of an addict is the health and
safety of their particular child. And that means, sometimes, being able to
compel that child to undergo addiction treatment.

While I have a great deal of respect for the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedom, there are always exceptions to the rule.

Real life dictates that we be flexible, committed and caring. We simply
cannot sit back and watch these young people kill themselves with these
poisons.

I know, both as a parent and as the daughter of an alcoholic, that I would
want the most aggressive tools at my disposal to bring my child back from
the despair of addiction. Wouldn't You?