HELP ADDICTS WHO CAN'T HELP THEMSELVES

Re: "Compassion, not compulsion, for addicts," Nov. 29.

About these addicts. Yes, we as a free society do have a right to put what
we choose into our own bodies. The risk of being infected with HIV/AIDS
from a used needle is a concern, and Yes, compassion ought to be No. 1 in
these issues.

This is why a compulsory detox centre would be beneficial. In this way we
acknowledge compassion to the addicts, by realizing that often they need
help before they can help themselves. The public is frequently put at risk
by their unpredictable and even psychotic behaviour.

I frequent downtown and have had extensive experience with addicts who
threaten and frighten me. They areoften unreasonable and dangerous. I've
come across addicts using needles.

It's unfair and uncompassionate solely to emphasize them and neglect the
folks who feel unsafe when exposed to such a crowd.

And just like alcohol or prescription drugs, if drugs are used to an extent
that causes the user's actions and behaviour to reach beyond their own
self-control and present a potential danger to others, intervention is
necessary.

Providing these addicts with heroin is like providing a suicidal person
with a gun and a surgical scalpel. It will not help them: It is merely
feeding a deadly addiction, and if we are to show any compassion to the
victims of such physiological diseases, it would be to show a strong hand
in helping them when they are unable to make the choice to help themselves.

Lane Chevrier,

Victoria.