Pubdate: Thu, 06 Sep 2001
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Mark B. Toth

NEEDLE EXCHANGE: HELPING TO HARM OUR DRUG ADDICTS

Editor, The News:

Regarding Ray Carlson's recent letter ('Tough love with addicts useless,' 
Opinion, Sept. 1).

I am intrigued by his sincere comments concerning the drug addiction 
problem. Still, I continue to believe a "tough love" approach is required, 
because it is altogether logical that since drug addiction is caused by the 
continual use of narcotics, providing a safe place to "shoot up" is 
counter-productive.

Mr. Carlson charges me with conjecturing that shoot-up houses are set up 
"so that those suffering from drug addiction can continue their deadly 
habit." I assume no such thing.

Those responsible for setting up "safe houses" are most likely sincerely 
trying to help addicts.

My point is simply that I hold the opposite view, which is that safe 
shoot-up houses are actually helping to harm addicts.

Mark B. Toth
Abbotsford
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart