Pubdate: Wed, 28 May 2008
Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340
Author: Perry Kendall
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n525/a01.html

INSITE MAKES A DIFFERENCE: PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER

Re: "Insite no real help, Weselowski says," Friday, May 23.

While I wish to honour Billy Weselowski for his achievement in 
attaining sobriety and providing valuable services through 
InnerVisions, I must also make a couple of comments on his statements 
regarding Insite.

Firstly, the addictions literature is very clear that persons facing 
addictions problems should be offered a range of treatment services 
as there are many routes to recovery and what works well for one 
person may well offer no benefit for another.

Secondly, Mr. Weselowski's assertion that the closure of Insite would 
not have an impact on recovery rates is very questionable.

Drug users who access Insite's services have been shown to be 30 per 
cent more likely to access (and complete) withdrawal management and 
addictions treatment services than those who do not access the site.

Removing this gateway, which has a proven beneficial impact on 
reducing drug use and increasing sobriety, albeit by different 
pathways than InnerVisions, would seem to be, when all is said and 
done, contrary to what Mr. Weselowski hopes for: More chances for 
people to achieve sobriety and stay sober.

Perry Kendall PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER
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