FORGET 'TOUGH LOVE'

Re: Getting 'Tough-Love' On Crime, Nov. 4.

As a youth worker, I have worked with youth of many ages and
backgrounds who have had addiction problems, and have seen youth with
addictions from mild to life-threatening. I have seen and studied
various techniques for dealing with drug use, and the "scared
straight" or boot camp approach is largely regarded as ineffective.
Taking your children to jail should be a last resort. The solution to
a drug problem is not to take the drugs away from the kids, or to
take the kids away from the drugs. It's to find out why the kids are
doing them in the first place. Drug addiction is the symptom of a
problem, not the problem itself.

Winnipeg is host to several drug treatment programs but more are
needed. It would certainly be nice if a simple thing like three days
in jail would cure anyone of a serious addiction, but the reality of
addiction treatment is a long and difficult process. What Winnipeg
needs is a good, secure, long-term facility that can take in addicts
of all ages and backgrounds and treat them in an appropriate, caring
and professional way.

Sharene Gilchrist

Winnipeg