Pubdate: Sat, 06 Oct 2007
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Lorinda Strang

TREATMENT HAS TO BE AVAILABLE WHEN ADDICTS CRY FOR HELP

Vancouver knows it has a world famous crack cocaine problem. We are 
often referred to as Crackouver. The heartbreak that the disease of 
addiction causes to thousands of families throughout our city needs 
to be addressed. There are solutions, but, unfortunately, those 
funded by the government are almost non-existent.

One of the four pillars is tragically broken. Having addicts in the 
throes of their addiction struggle to call Harbour Light or Vancouver 
Detox every morning until a bed comes up is not good enough. For 
those without funds for private treatment, it is easier to get into 
the needle exchange and other harm reduction programs than it is to 
get into government-funded detox or treatment programs. When an 
addict asks for help, we need to respond.

Detox has to be followed by treatment and/or 12-step meetings. Sadly, 
addiction still carries a stigma that stops people from reaching out 
for the help they desperately need.

Cunning, baffling and powerful are the words used to describe the 
insanity of addiction.

We all need to speak up and reach out and help so that no addict need 
ever die from this disease.

Lorinda Strang

Executive director

Orchard Recovery Centre

Bowen Island
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom