END RECOVERY HOME FREEZE

After deciding to allow 11 homes for recovering drug addicts to
continue operating legally last year, Abbotsford council placed a
one-year moratorium on any further such establishments.

This fall, local government will have to decide whether to thaw the
freeze, or extend it.

We see little point in continuing the moratorium, if proper
regulations are in place and are enforced.

There is no doubt that drug recovery houses can be controversial in
some neighbourhoods. Many people simply assume the worst when faced
with the prospect of having recovering addicts living nearby.

It's often an unfair perception. Well-regulated, well-run facilities
generally pose few problems for surrounding residents.

Fact is, these homes are an important part of the addiction recovery
process, and the need is growing.

Drug addiction and substance abuse is behind the majority of theft
and property offences, and crimes of violence.

Hence, addressing addiction is far more effective in the long-term
than law enforcement and criminal justice.

Recovering addicts need an environment where they are supported, and
reintegrated into mainstream society. That can't be accomplished
solely by a community services "out-patient" system, or worse yet, on
the street.

Abbotsford reportedly has a number of "flop houses" that masquerade
as recovery homes. Flying under provincial regulations, the operators
are primarily interested in collecting government rent money.

However, as a letter-writer points out, given the homeless problem in
this city, these places do serve a purpose.

As such, they ought to have a "boarding house" designation that
differentiates them from facilities offering structured programs.

And then, lift the moratorium on bona fide recovery homes. Little is
served by extending it.