DOPES ABOUND

Methadone is six times more addictive than heroin.

In spite of this fact, doctors, psychiatrists, social workers and others have been giving this poison to addicts for more than 50 years now as an alleged "replacement therapy."

Of course, this is, always has been and always will be a failing strategy.

How are addicts provided this poison?

Some come to a clinic window, but most are provided prescxriptions which they fill at their neighb ourhood pharmacy. The pharmacists are given a fee by the government for this deadly undignified "service." They are happily paid by us to keep drug addicts stoned.

Human nature being what it is, pharmacists and addicts develop a bit of a relationship, which includes colusion to steal again from the public.

Sometimes they get caught.

Witness today's Vancouver Sun headline:

City seeks investigation into methadone kickback charges

City Councillor, Kerry Jang, is "outraged."

Does the good Councillor also know that...wait for it...drug addicts sell their pills daily on the street?

Yes. Imagine!

Unfortunately, council's favorite drama queen is outraged at the wrong thing, as he often is.

It hasn't yet occurred to Jang - or many other people in charge - that the whole business of providing addicts with an addictive substitute drug is outrageous and should be stopped at once if not sooner.

These cozy arrangements between users and providers have been going on for at least the 45 years that I've been involved in addiction and recovery issues.

What's new, Bub?

Huff and puff all you want.

There's only one useful and human and dignified change available to us in this sorry mess.

Stop it.