Pubdate: Mon, 02 Jun 2008 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2008 Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n541/a09.html Author: K. G. Atkinson THOUGHTS ON SAFE-INJECTION SITES Mr. Clement has made clear the difference between a safe-injection site and treatment for drug and alcohol addicts. The safe-injection site offers a clean environment for the injection of addicting and illegal drugs -- it does nothing to treat the addiction, and only allows addicts to continue their addiction until the drugs kill them. An adequate treatment program includes the following elements in a residential treatment centre: - -Following detox, a more normal pattern and structure of living is gradually established -- i. e., getting up at a regular time and involvement in helping with some chores in the residence. - -Education with regard to drugs --addiction issues are stressed. - -Group therapy led by a counselor, where clients can confront one another with their addiction issues. Clients are supportively led to an understanding of the negative consequences of their behaviour to themselves and others. - -Personal aftercare, either in a dwelling with others in recovery, or in the community. - -At this stage and beyond, the recovering addict may require financial support for housing and living expenses while being integrated into a safe environment and while getting job training. This approach is obviously expensive and long-term. However, if over time many addicts can be freed of their addiction, and become healthy, productive citizens, something worthwhile will be achieved. Addiction is not a matter amenable to a quick fix. I congratulate Mr. Clement on speaking out so clearly on this matter. K. G. Atkinson, Vancouver. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake