DON'T WAIT TO TREAT SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Dear Editor - On April 30 Federal Solicitor General Lawrence McCally
released the results of a study conducted at the Canadian Centre on
Substance Abuse on the relationship between substances used and criminal
activity. The report suggested that the best time to deal with people with
substance abuse problems is while they are in jails.

We would disagree with this premise. While we do agree that more treatment
should be provided to the inmates with a substance abuse problem, ideally,
treatment intervention should take place before the individual resorts to
criminal activity in the first place.

Other studies have shown that 25 to 30 per cent of hospitalized patients
are there for alcohol-or drug-related problems, but that 80 per cent of
these patients are not identified as having a substance abuse problem.

With more early identification and treatment available for substance
abusers, fewer people would end up in hospitals or jail.

Tony Clement, the Ontario Minister of Health and Long Term Care, this week
announced a two per cent increase in funding of Ontario's addiction
treatment programmes. While this funding is welcomed, it is not enough to
meet service pressures.

Addictions are a $9 billion problem in Ontario but the provincial
government spends one per cent of that on addiction treatment.

Addiction treatment is cost effective, saving $7 for every $1 spent.

Addiction treatment reduces pressure on hospital emergency rooms and the
criminal justice systems.

Addictions, left untreated, lead to family breakdown.

We urge the provincial and federal governments to appropriately respond to
the needs of the addiction treatment system and Ontarians affected by
substance use issues.

Paul Wagler, Past Chair

Withdrawal Management Association of Ontario