Pubdate: Sat, 25 Jun 2016
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2016 Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact: http://www.edmontonsun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.edmontonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Dr. W. Gifford-Jones
Page: 68

HOW READERS WOULD TREAT 42,000 ADDICTS

Eureka! Just recently I reported that it was impossible to write this
column. I had asked readers to respond to how I believe 42,000 addicts
on methadone should be treated. Then my computer developed terminal
cancer and I thought all your responses had been lost. Fortunately,
the "Geek Squad" resurrected them.

 From a Times Colonist reader: "Your suggestion that sending addicts to
northern Canada to chop wood caught my eye. I was impressed by your
research. The addicts I have known have no interest in getting o
methadone and improving themselves. I say, enough of this nonsense.
Why not have them chop wood? We all do some form of work to eat." This
reader then added, "I initially believed that the practice of hanging
drug dealers in Singapore was too extreme. But on further thought I'd
hang them myself if they gave heroin to my healthy innocent
granddaughters."

BL writes: "I have been employed as a correctional o cer since 1980.
In those days heroin addicts would be placed in the medical unit
without methadone. They had a few painful days, but were then back to
normal. You are right that doctors see a financial wind fall and will
not stop using methadone. The whole system is wasting taxpayers' money
and the government seems oblivious to it."

BR says, "I don't reply to columns, but feel compelled this time. I
strongly disagree with methadone clinics and our permissive attitude
to drug lords. In yesterday's newspaper Philippine president-elect
urged the public to kill drug dealers. I'm friends with many police o
cers who say our system is broken in favour of the bad guys. I say
thugs should be put on display at City Hall. Your article hits an
important issue that we must all be responsible for our actions."

 From Thunder Bay: "Bravo to your article. The drug industry will be
mortified by this column. Methadone is just swooping one drug for
another. As you stated no one has died from drug withdrawal, but
millions have died from drug usage. Keep up the good work."

PD says, "My wife and I always look forward to your columns. I met the
director of the Vancouver Narcotics Addiction Foundation, who
explained the methadone program to me. It has always seemed absurd to
me. It's just a legal dependency being substituted for an illegal
addiction. I'm pleased you have blown the whistle".

 From Courtney, B.C.: "We agree 100% with your opinion. We don't try to
cure alcoholics with free liquor and the same reasoning should apply
to drug addiction which taxpayers are forced to pay. And my thanks to
all the good medical advice you pass along."

But I was taken to task by some readers. H.M. says, "I read with
dismay your recent column. What has happened to your compassion? Is
your solution punishment for every addiction, alcohol, cigarettes,
food? Wouldn't the doctor's credo of 'do no harm' apply to addiction?"

Another wrote, "Punishing drug addicts is a very outdated theory.
Addiction is a disease of the brain. Punishment should be doled out to
doctors who carelessly write opiate prescriptions."

W.T. says, "I enjoy the wisdom of your columns. But I was disappointed
to discover a fascist streak in your personality. Like a la Hitler and
probably Trump, you are not a supporter of human rights. Personally I
believe drug use should be legalized and if anyone steps over the line
they then face the criminal system, and yes chop wood. Having said
this, keep up your excellent column, warts and all."

The column certainly rang a bell as some readers sent me 800 word
replies. The majority deplored today's politically correct actions of
o ering free drugs, needles, places to shoot up and promoting the
victim, "poor you," mentality. Others were amazed that 42,000 addicts
were being treated with methadone in a single province at great
expense. Still others, appalled at seeing addicts lined up at their
local drug store to get their daily fix.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The column does not constitute medical advice and is
not meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure disease. Please contact
your doctor. The information provided is for informational purposes
only and are the views solely of the author.
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MAP posted-by: Matt