Pubdate: Mon, 21 Nov 2016
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.theprovince.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Sharon Patterson
Page: 14

FENTANYL USERS KNOW THE RISKS AND CHOOSE TO IGNORE THEM

Re: Fentanyl crisis, 622 dead, Nov. 17

Sixty people per month are dying from drug overdoses. My heart goes
out to their relatives and friends, but I do not believe that the
government or anyone else can halt these horrifying numbers.

These people make choices every day that increase their risk of
becoming part of these statistics. Recreational drug users? What a
ridiculous concept. Recreational drug users are simply those who have
not yet become addicts, but still make the choice to play Russian
roulette, with little thought to their loved ones.

As a person who has seen a once-beautiful family member spiral down
the black hole of addiction for the last 16 years, I have to tell you
that those who are addicted and have not yet overdosed will break your
heart every day that they continue to be lucky enough to not die.

Believe me, they know the risks and choose to ignore
them.

I understand that people need someone to blame, but as a taxpayer I am
no longer willing to dole out more money on what appears to be a lost
cause.

Sharon Patterson, Langley
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MAP posted-by: Matt