ADDICTION AT ROOT OF PROBLEM

Mental health - Re: "Mental health centre set for Calgary; New
national body aims to educate public," Sept. 1.

I applaud the establishment of the national Mental Health Commission.
I hope its goal will include promoting a change in the provision of
health care services in addition to reducing stigma.

The vast majority of mental health care in Canada is provided by GP
psychotherapists, family physicians, psychologists, social workers
and other counsellors, not psychiatrists. Medical, surgical and
psychiatric hospital wards are filled across Canada by patients with
complications of substance-related (substance abuse and substance
dependence) disorders and addiction-related problems that remain
untreated and/or mistreated.

A massive effort is needed for not only public education, but also
appropriate training of care providers that remains inadequate at
present, together with assessment and treatment services. Addiction
remains the most treatable untreated illness in our society that is
the biggest contributor to mental health problems in individuals,
their family members and communities across Canada.

I would urge the directors and chair of the Mental Health Commission
to be mindful of the real issues that require meaningful attention.

Raju Hajela, Calgary