TREATMENT HAS TO BE AVAILABLE WHEN ADDICTS CRY FOR HELP

Vancouver knows it has a world famous crack cocaine problem. We are
often referred to as Crackouver. The heartbreak that the disease of
addiction causes to thousands of families throughout our city needs
to be addressed. There are solutions, but, unfortunately, those
funded by the government are almost non-existent.

One of the four pillars is tragically broken. Having addicts in the
throes of their addiction struggle to call Harbour Light or Vancouver
Detox every morning until a bed comes up is not good enough. For
those without funds for private treatment, it is easier to get into
the needle exchange and other harm reduction programs than it is to
get into government-funded detox or treatment programs. When an
addict asks for help, we need to respond.

Detox has to be followed by treatment and/or 12-step meetings. Sadly,
addiction still carries a stigma that stops people from reaching out
for the help they desperately need.

Cunning, baffling and powerful are the words used to describe the
insanity of addiction.

We all need to speak up and reach out and help so that no addict need
ever die from this disease.

Lorinda Strang

Executive director

Orchard Recovery Centre

Bowen Island