TIME TO CONSIDER SUPPLYING DRUGS

I'm not sure what to think of the idea of providing free crack pipes.
On one hand, I understand. Try to stop disease transmission.

But on the other hand, I don't want Victoria seen as promoting open
drug use or doing anything to further the culture of the addicted who
think Victoria is a haven for crack and meth.

These are not harmless drugs. We're not talking marijuana here. Drugs
like crack cocaine and meth cause noticeable degenerative effects in
our downtown core.

I would much rather a comprehensive approach be applied to the
situation, such as supervised safe consumption sites that protect
addicts from disease and overdose. These facilities, if set up
properly, should also put addicts in touch with social services that
will help them to rebuild their lives and leave the cycle of addiction.

We need comprehensive action that may even involve supplying the drugs
they are addicted to in order to eliminate the demand for drugs on the
street, thus reducing demand on the black market.

Maybe once they are housed and learning to live life without worry of
where their next fix is coming from, some will be able to reason with
reality and move towards a healthier way of living.

Expensive? Maybe. But the current war on drugs is costing us dearly.
Trying something different will not hurt. Hopefully it will be a
compassionate move towards true addiction research and assistance.

Barry Carvish

Victoria