ADDICT THANKED FOR MESSAGE

THE EDITOR:

I would like to thank I.E Hawksworth ['Former addicts says methadone not
the answer,' Times Letters, Feb. 14] for the positive input towards saving
lives.

The writer's revealing story is an eyeopener into the life of drug
addiction many of us do not understand. It is my firm belief that for
anyone wanting to kick the habit Abbotsford is the place to be.

Abbotsford is a community where most people look beyond their narrow self
interest and do care for one another. Our community has a solid base of 137
church affiliations offering all sorts of programs to help those in need.

Setting up safe injection sites, although well intended, still leaves the
question of where, and how, drug addicts get the funding to feed their habit.

Why would a government want to lend a helping hand for addicts to continue
a downward spiral toward destruction when they can provide detox and
treatment centres where drug users can go for much needed help?

There are plenty of recovered drug addicts living in our city who have
established a great life for themselves and their families, I wish more of
them would speak out.

Gertie Pool Abbotsford