Reader letter: No single answer to Windsor's opioid crisis

Published May 08, 2024 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 1 minute read

The SafePoint Consumption and Treatment Service site in downtown Windsor is shown on Oct. 6, 2023. It was closed at the end of the year pending a provincial review of such facilities. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star

Re: Reader letter: Treatment facility, not SafePoint, answer to opiate crisis (Letter, Apr. 29)

While the writer of the letter has valid points, his/her view is narrow. There is no one answer to the opioid crisis.

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Citizens of Windsor-Essex are allowed to drink alcohol in “safe consumption” locations — pubs and bars — but it’s important to also promote responsible and safe alcohol consumption.

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I agree wholeheartedly that Windsor-Essex needs more treatment facilities for those suffering from substance abuse disorders, both alcohol and drugs.

Those who suffer from kidney disease are not denied treatment if they don’t do what they’re supposed to. You wouldn’t withhold insulin from a diabetic, if the person ate whatever they wanted. A patient with heart disease is not refused treatment if they continue their stressful life, eat and drink whatever they want.

Some people make good decisions, some don’t.

A safe consumption site such as SafePoint provides a medical service. Addiction is a disease, which requires ongoing attention and care.

It is not acceptable to withhold a medical service when the purpose is to help an under-served part of our community — to allow those individuals to be safe, not feel rejected, learn how to make better choices.

And maybe, just maybe, they find their way on a road to recovery, ultimately becoming a contributing member of society.

We all deserve a chance to be the best version of ourselves.

Charlene Fraser
LaSalle

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