DIABETICS SHOULD BE GIVEN SUPPORT DRUG ADDICTS HAVE

The Editor,

Re: "Do we need 'safe' sites for crystal meth users?" the Now, April 8.

We have "safe injection sites" for heroin addicts, a Vancouver
councillor is proposing a safe place for alcoholics to drink and now
we have Dr. Akbar Bayanzadeh suggesting "safe" sites for crystal meth
users. Where will this lunacy end?

There seems to be a limitless supply of money to deal with
addictions, and may I add, in most cases self-inflicted addictions,
yet many diabetics do no receive the same consideration and must pay
for their needles, test strips, insulin, etc. These diabetics have
not inflicted their disease on themselves. In my experience with
diabetics, it is not uncommon for them to reuse their needles and to
limit their testing in order to save money. On the other hand,
methadone addicts, in most instances, receive their "fix" gratis, all
at the expense of the taxpayer.

Norm Jansen, Surrey