Pubdate: Fri, 30 Sep 2016
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Sally Barker
Page: A15

SIMPLISTIC APPROACH WON'T HELP DRUG PROBLEM

Re: "Best harm reduction is not to take drugs," letter, Sept. 28.

This is such a simplistic response to a tragic problem.

Best way not to develop fatty liver disease or alcoholism: Don't take
that first drink.

Best way to prevent obesity: Don't overeat.

Best way to have pretty hands: Don't bite your nails.

I doubt there's any addict who hasn't wished they hadn't or didn't.
But they did, often when they were very young.

It's time to step down off that puritanical mountain to find a
solution to a problem that is here and affects us all.

Incarceration and hospitalization are the priciest of
non-solutions.

Sally Barker

Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Matt