Unsympathetic statements

Dear editor: I was deep in shock when I read a letter sent to you by a reader, “Something not right with drug treatment,” (Courier, March 21).

Talk about misinformed. I would first like to point out there were not five ambulances there as she states, there were two — it happens when there is a call to 911.

She states it costs taxpayers money to check drugs — no, they don’t. What they do is provide a safe, clean place out of the public’s eye to use. She also asks for an alternate source of assistance when an OD happens.

If I am having a heart attack, who would I call? Her? No, 911, of course. She also says providing needles for free. Yes, they (the government) do. This is to ensure these needles don’t end up on the streets. Again, if you know the downtown, you don’t see needles anymore. I know because that’s where I spend a lot of time.

She also goes on to say saving a person one day so they can OD another is so callous. Saving a life, a person, a human, any day is great and I thank all the people who do care and help.

She also states that “they” should be forced ot take mandatory drug treatment. What she doesn’t understand is drug addiction is a disease. Would I make treatment mandatory if a person had cancer? As far as her comments about real treatment for those who want it, it is there and fast.

I can thank the John Howard, Interior Health, and all the clinicians, workers, and psychologists who have helped me.

I was a heroin addict for many years. They all helped me get my life back. I thank them to the fullest degree. And, to you madame, please do your homework as you are so out there. Ron Addison Peachland