GIVE ADDICTS THE CHOICE: TREATMENT OR JAIL

Is it not extremely interesting that those who do not support
safe-injection sites are the ones who have actually lived the life of an
addict (Experts and others in the field weigh in on the proposed
safe-injection site, Nov. 5)?

It makes me sick when I hear the academia-driven spout off their data
collection of research and evidence. What on earth is Perry Kendall, chief
medical officer for B.C., thinking when he says there is no evidence that
supervised injection sites encourage drug use? What an asinine comment.

I think it is fairly clear that giving addicts a safe site in which to use
illegal drugs encourages and enables their drug use.

The only solution is to give individuals a choice: treatment or jail. I
will gladly support increased taxes to put people in jail should they
refuse to make a positive change in their life.

Although this may sound like a Band-Aid solution and knee-jerk reaction, we
need to start somewhere. Enough of the liberal warm and fuzzies. Most of
these addicts want to get off the drugs. Once their backs are up against
the wall and they realize there is nowhere else to go, they may find
themselves unexpectedly receptive to treatment and support.

Diane Campbell

North Vancouver