CLEAN NEEDLES DON'T CURE ADDICTION

Re: Number of new HIV cases levelling off across region (Saturday Report, July 18).

I was glad to read that the HIV in Prince George is "leveling off." I
wonder how much it costs to maintain that data and provide services
to active drug users.

I am in recovery thanks to an abstinence-based treatment program and
a loving 12-step fellowship. I have 24 years clean and sober at the
end of this month. What I find so frustrating is the health
authorities focus on the symptoms (HIV) of addictions rather than
giving equal attention and financial support to addictions recovery
programs.

This is unfair and irresponsible as far as I'm concerned. As an
addict I could not make healthy choices for myself and needed
intervention. I had no clue on how to stop using drugs and alcohol.

I want to thank the professionals and people in recovery who were
straightforward with me and provided me with the way out of active
addiction. I know that if I had professionals telling me my drug use
was not my fault and they fed me and accepted me the way I was, I
would be dead by now.

Love, food and clean drug paraphernalia do not equal recovery from
addictions.

I have so much respect for Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community, the
Last Door Recovery Society, Westminster House for Women. These
programs create genuine change and healing in the lives of addicts.
These are the programs that receive very little recognition for their
dedication and commitment in successfully treating addictions.
Please remember that even if a person is addicted to drugs and has
HIV they can still recover.

Gloria Harding

Prince George