HARM REDUCTION WORKS

Columnist Joey Thompson, and the Drug Prevention Network of Canada,
create a false dichotomy between drug treatment and harm reduction.
The Vancouver Plan endorsed by the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities calls for a balanced, "four pillars" approach, with
equal emphasis on prevention, treatment, harm reduction and law enforcement.

The Auditor General reports that 95 per cent of the federal drug
control budget is allocated to law enforcement and interdiction.

Instead of "four pillars," we have a towering column surrounded by
three foundation stones.

The evidence supporting harm reduction is irrefutable. In contrast to
badges, bars and guns, harm reduction saves tax dollars and works
synergistically with the other pillars.

Pharmacies are "dishing out" pills, gums and patches to nicotine "druggies."

Why do we think cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine addicts should be
treated any differently?

Matthew Elrod,

Victoria