DRUG ADDICTS NEED A PLACE TO GO

This ongoing argument about the location of the detox centre in Red
Deer infuriates me.

A detox centre needs to be accessible to all that may require it, and
what is more accessible than the middle of Red Deer?

I understand the reasoning that nobody wants "these people" in their
back yards, but the sad truth is they already are.

Drug addicts are everywhere and not all of them are the unbathed,
strung out, street people they are usually perceived as.

They are downtown, uptown, and could very well be your neighbour or
friend.

I am not so naive to believe that drugs aren't the reason for most
criminal activity, but where the drugs are is not reflective of where
the crimes take place.

I have lived in Red Deer 28 years and I know someone in every section
of town that has had their home or business robbed (I have personally
had my house robbed three times.)

Unfortunately, I have also seen the effects of drugs and alcohol on
people first hand.

These people are mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers, and some of
them want and need help and have nowhere to go.

So instead of wasting all of our time wondering where or where not the
detox centre should be, let's focus our time and energy on trying to
mend some of the damage that drugs and alcohol are doing to our
communities.

I think giving people a place to go for help, support and compassion
is great way to start to do that.

Tara Posti,

Red Deer