Two sides to drug issue

Just because I have an opinion on SCS controversy doesn’t mean I don’t understand, or listen to the opposition.

My stance is in that grey area of I know it’s helping people ... but is the system flawless... absolutely not! The SCS was brought in before the other needed services were, thus creating a huge spike in the city’s drug use. I understand that.

I see the needles and agree that distribution is an issue. I also know why Arches feels the need to do so. But I don’t think that removing an already used service will do anything other than create a huge storm from not just those for or against but for those using.

When I say I agree, I mean I agree with harm reduction. I agree that more focus should be put on those making the drugs, distributing the drugs and less on those using the drugs. Most drug users are broken members of our society. But they are still members. I don’t condone drug use, but I do understand it. And I understand that, yes, there is a small sublet that will never stop using drugs. But the SCS is also there to support those who do wish to stop.

Those who use illegal drugs use to self medicate past traumas. Those who want to, stop. And saying that their lives don’t matter is unfathomable to me. #ALLLIVESMATTER. And, yes, it might take that addict OD’ing 15 times to realize their own self worth. So is it not worth saving them until they do?

We plaster cigarette cartons with images in hopes of saving a smoker from dying of lung cancer, or pester that person who speeds to slow down. We all deal with addictions; most are just socially accepted.

Addicts should be held accountable or their actions, but drugs change your brain chemistry. These people are shadows of their former selves. And we as a community need to stop the “us against them” mentality and realize they are us, or at least they use to be.

Mob mentality is scary in amongst it self. That’s how I feel. Agree or disagree.

Terri-Marie Dillabough

Lethbridge