Taxpayers need facts showing how addiction centre will succeed

I agree with writer Mark Goetell (Letters to the Editor) that Jill Manning should return to Lethbridge for another public forum. However, the return should be a year from now. Follow up with information that is conducive to the success of the program.

Simply telling taxpayers that there is an urgent need for a consumption site holds no meaning unless there are facts and proven statistics. What is the success rate of the program? East Vancouver has had a safe consumption site for years with no measurable degree of success. In several European countries the programs have failed or all but discontinued.

Existing addiction centres have a success rate of approximately two per cent. Is that good? Only for the two per cent. Centres focus on treatment programs and treatment orientation. How can a rehab program work when the client is sitting injecting drugs at the same time? Maybe we should be focusing on prevention.

In the course of a short time, Australia and many European countries within their health care have concentrated on prevention and a combination of treatment with profound success. But for any program to succeed there must be accountability by the client. Many have no incentive to quit their addictions. And how can doctors be blamed for one’s addiction? A prescription can be abused if the medications are not taken as ordered.

I look forward to Ms. Manning’s return with momentous information. Stan Adamus

Lethbridge