Pubdate: Tue, 16 May 2006
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Professor Richard Mathias

READERS URGE FORWARD-THINKING SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS OF DRUG ABUSE

The drug crisis can be reduced in Vancouver, in B.C. and in Canada.

The assumption that "hardcore" addicts are the only ones that need 
help is in itself simplistic and limited. Reducing the harm of drug 
use needs a new approach through the acceptance of a new paradigm: 
Replace the narrow confines of the judicial approach with a public 
health framework.

While the basic goal is the same, to reduce harmful drug use, the 
methods are vastly different. Public health has an enviable record in 
being able to reduce harmful drug use. Primary prevention by reducing 
the number of youth who start using tobacco is only one of the 
strategies. Secondary prevention, treatment, regulation and 
enforcement all have a role, as seen in tobacco use, our most 
damaging and expensive addiction.

Trying to find a Vancouver-specific solution is not enough. What is 
needed is a province-wide and Canada-wide solution that uses public 
health principles.

The public health framework developed by the Health Officers Council 
of BC offers a new paradigm to reduce the numbers of drug-related 
deaths, the costs of drug-related illness and the harm to the public 
and society. Every day we delay is hugely costly to people, in 
resources and for Canadian society.

Professor Richard Mathias

Public Health

University of B.C. 
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman