Pubdate: Tue, 30 Aug 2005
Source: Brandon Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005, Brandon Sun
Contact:  http://www.brandonsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2437
Author: Heather M. Sharpe

ADDICTS NEED HELP

I have thought for some time about whether or not to reply to Mr. Deveryn 
Ross' last letter Rosser Ward Doesn't Need More Addicts (Aug. 18) against 
the proposed facility for addicted persons. I was so shocked at his lack of 
understanding towards the disease model of addiction that I did not think 
there would be a point as he would argue anyway.

It is shameful that he seems to feel that addiction is a character weakness 
and that he also groups all people who suffer from addictions as dangerous. 
I would like to ask Mr. Ross who he thinks in the first place would choose 
to be addict? Who would choose to hurt themselves and their families in 
such a devastating manner? Who would choose to go through such horrendous 
withdrawal that they see things that are not there and hear things that are 
not there?

Has Mr. Ross become an addictions counsellor now? Has he recovered from an 
addiction enough to comment on these things in the first place? He is 
creating a stigma against people who have addictions through his negative 
attitude.

To recover from an addiction, a mental illness and any other great 
stressor, people need support and compassion, not ignorance and ridicule. 
When people deal with their own problems and shortcomings, then they can 
comment on those of others. Likewise, when landlords take care of their 
tenants and their properties, then they can comment on the safety of their 
neighbourhood.

One more thing to think about. Recently a young man passed away in the city 
as a result of addiction and possibly homelessness.

This is what Youth For Christ is trying to help solve. That man could have 
been alive today if such a shelter existed. These are the mistakes that we 
need to learn from.

Heather M. Sharpe

Brandon 
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