WHERE THE SAFE INJECTION SITE FITS INTO DRUG TREATMENT

Re: Federal health minister slams Insite injection site, Aug. 19

Many citizens are concerned over the continuation of the Insite
supervised injection site in its present form. There may be evidence
that it provides a service to drug addicts and a conduit for therapy.
However, since it doesn't do more than provide a safe place to shoot
up, it could be viewed as promoting the continued sale of illegal
drugs by criminals. To be able to purchase these drugs, addicts
perform illegal acts, such as breaking and entering and robbery.

If Insite is to continue, it should include providing drugs such as
heroin, as well as the means of injecting them. This would attract
more of the afflicted, and counselling would be more effective. We
would also reduce the crime rate substantially and cut off the drug
pushers' lucrative trade.

We need to attack the problem completely if we really wish to help
addicts, as well as correct the crime problems drugs create in society.

James Pocklington

West Vancouver