Pubdate: Sat, 26 Mar 2005
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 The Edmonton Journal
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Thomas D. Leaver
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n465/a02.html?40370

ADDICT NEEDS HEALTH FACILITY, NOT PRISON

Re: "Addict gets his wish: More time in prison," Journal, March 18th.

Very few people sympathize with drug addicts who commit crimes to support 
their addictions. After all, they voluntarily became junkies despite all 
warnings.

However, when one wishes so much to kick the habit that he is prepared to 
spend an extra six to eight months in jail, then we should be prepared to 
help him in all ways possible. This addict is in need of a health facility, 
not a jail, and health is a provincial matter, not federal. It is therefore 
surprising that the provincial government is not supplying that need.

Maybe if the provincial and federal health ministers put aside their turf 
wars and jointly sponsored such a facility we would all benefit with 
shorter terms of confinement, less crime, safer streets and the knowledge 
that we have helped someone straighten out. A win-win situation.

Thomas D. Leaver, Edmonton
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom