ADDICTS NEED TREATMENT, NOT MORE DRUGS

Re "Voice of experience on addiction issue -(Letter,Feb. 24) -

I admire Lawrence Carnrite for frankly discussing his background of
drug use and his struggle to start a new life. He is clearly strongly
motivated to help others avoid the tragic slavery of addiction.

As Mr. Carnrite states, there is a desperate need for drug addiction
facilities in this city. There seems to be a misconception that our
city does not have a "drug problem." The Peterborough AIDS Resource
Network exchanged 135,000 needles last year through its program. It
is estimated that in any location 25 percent of users take advantage
of these exchanges.

The police attribute up to 90 percent of local theft to drug users
who need money to support their addictions.

Still there is no detox centre for people who overdose and no live-in
treatment centre. Instead there has been a mushrooming growth of
private, for-profit methadone clinics which provide daily doses of an
alternative drug which is also addictive and toxic to the body. This
process is similar to helping someone addicted to alcohol by
providing a 24- pack of Molson's Golden to replace his daily bottle
of Captain Morgan's.

Would it not be more logical, healthy and humane to provide
non-profit live-in treatment centres where they can overcome all drug
dependency and begin to live normal productive lives?

People should urge their city councillors to advocate for local detox
and drug treatment centres which will substantially reduce crime and
health care costs, make our streets friendlier and safer, help
victimized people struggling to overcome their addictions, rescue
youth in the early stages of addiction and ultimately save young lives.

Carol Winter
Bridle Drive