Pubdate: Tue, 12 Nov 2002
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Shirley Barnett

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
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom