NO QUICK FIXES - LETTER 3 OF 5

Some readers think helping addicts out of the abyss is better than enabling
them to make drug suppliers rich

I agree that "addicts need the cure, not the poison," as Vancouver police
Sergeant Al Arsenault suggests (Officer sees right wing as fix for drug
mess, Oct. 26). I am a recovering addict and the article states a point of
view that the vast majority of addicts in recovery agree with.

But one would have to wonder why he would take a risk and let his point of
view be known. After all, it's at the very least controversial in light of
all the efforts to promote harm reduction.

I believe he's taking the risk, in part, because of the years he has spent
in the Main and Hastings area as a police officer. He has spent a lot of
time watching the horrors of addiction unfold before his eyes and he has
taken the time to learn about the problem and what the solution could be.

There are many of us who have escaped the insanity down there and have
become acceptable, responsible and productive members of society. A large
majority of those still there could do the same if they chose to. The sad
part is that, by providing them with drugs and places to use, they will
feel less inclined to get out.

It would be foolish to spend taxpayers' dollars to enable and look after
those who have no desire to take care of themselves. Any money spent in
this area should be to provide treatment for those who want to change.

Harm reduction is big business and the service providers and pharmaceutical
companies will benefit from it. If implemented, it will be one of the
biggest businesses on the Downtown Eastside, funded with taxpayers' dollars.

Hopefully, more people who have a social conscience and understand
addiction like Mr. Arsenault will come forward to add a little heart and
soul to an issue that is not about dollars and cents but more about human
pain and suffering.

Barry Joneson

Burnaby