GOING CLEAN TAKES $ AND GUTS

I know about multi-addictions, addictive personalties and what it takes to
get off drugs.

How do I know all this as a 61-year-old woman who was raised and has always
lived on Vancouver's west side? Why is it I lack the naive perspective that
seems to have been adopted by Vancouver's three mayoralty candidates as
well as outgoing Mayor Philip Owen.?

Because in the 1960s I worked as a matron among heroin addicts at Oakalla
women's prison, and then as a social worker with the Narcotic Addiction
Foundation of B.C., giving out methadone to heroin addicts for both
withdrawal and maintenance purposes.

I knew many addicts, some who became productive human beings, and several
who actually became complete non-users of all things addictive.

It takes guts and a complete change of lifestyle, but it can be done if the
motivation and the services are there.

I am so sick of people wanting to help addicts feel good. People use drugs
because they choose to.

First, we need a series of detox centres under strict medical supervision,
then longer-stay programs, community-based workers, employment programs,
supervised work experiences, exercise programs and group therapy. It's a
multi-million-dollar commitment to help those who are wanting to find a way
out.

What is the point of giving poison to people?

Why don't we immediately take Riverview or some other unused facility and
help those who wish to change their life, should they make that first attempt?

Why don't we have at least one mayoralty candidate who makes sense?

Shirley Barnett,

Vancouver