I recently read an article by the Calgary Herald’s Licia Corbella called Vancouver’s easy drug access may have helped kill Monteith (Cory). She is obviously disgusted with Vancouver’s HR injection site, Insite, and decided to make a case against it by contriving a link to Cory’s death. This was my response:
HR (harm reduction) highlights an epidemic that justly deserves discussion. That should be the topic. Insite is more a reflection of a broad picture. As much as Vancouver is a bright spot in showing new possibilities in North America for planning and social evolution, Vancouver is also showing something born out it’s attribute of compassion. That explains why it has a government sponsored injection site called Insite. These type of HR facilities do not contribute to fatal drug overdose, they lessen the possibility including the proliferation of other disease. As for obtaining street drugs, there is unfortunately immediate wide spread availability of dangerous drugs anywhere in the U.S and Canada including Vancouver irregardless of Insite’s existence. Overdoses are common through out the U.S. and Canada and in fact an epidemic. HR injection sites are actually non-existent in North America other than Vancouver. See Insite. Harm reduction is an illumination of the tip of a great iceberg of drug addiction and abuse that plagues North America. The drive for the medicalization of addiction is highlighted in places like Vancouver and Dr. Gabor Mates’ work. What most of us do not readily see is the rest of the iceberg; the greater impact of addiction. It hides in our families, homes, our hospitals, our jails, prisons, our streets and in our morgues. Tragically young actor’s like Cory have to die in the context of a problem that is so pervasive, cunning, baffling, and powerful. The solutions will be game changers and we do not know who will lead the way; maybe places like Vancouver. More than ever, millions of parents and professionals want to see the best happen in making a difference in the bigger picture of addiction, its impact, and the flow of our common capital into the pork belly of this beast.
DadOnFire 
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July 30, 2013 at 7:41 am
Jason B.
So very true. I like your insight on the subject, and I believe that deaths of well known individuals need to be highlighted in order to expose the tragic reality of addiction. The deaths of these people should not have to take place, but as long as they do not die in vain then their deaths serve a greater purpose. Addiction is a deteriorating disease that affects everyone, not just the person who is addicted. I like your representation of the iceberg because this is so true. People can only see the surface causes and effects, but they rarely see the bigger picture. This is a disease, and therefore should be treated as such. Keep up the great work. Jason B. Sober in Recovery since September 12, 2011
July 30, 2013 at 10:38 am
Bill Ford
Thanks for recognizing my point. Once societal sentiment influences our legislators, I believe the first big game changer will be acknowledging addiction as a legitimate medical condition which will force the medical and insurance industry to develop strategies for treatment on demand.
July 30, 2013 at 10:33 pm
peglud
Hi, Bill. I first heard the term “harm reduction” as a possible ‘treatment’ option for addicts from Tom at Recovery Help Desk (www.recoveryhelpdesk.com) At that time, my daughter, Hayley, was a heroin addict and her situation seemed hopeless. I was so desperate to help her before she OD’ed or died from infection/abuse, that I began to investigate ALL options – even those I’d never considered before. I first posted on my blog (Helplessly hoping . . . ) about Dr. Gabor Mates’ important work back in 2010 when a friend referred me to his NPR interview. My point is that often, critics of harm reduction techniques for serious hard drug addiction, don’t have any skin in the game. As the desperate mother of a heroin addict, I became willing to consider anything that might lead to some type of recovery and/or survival for my daughter. And by the way, my daughter has been clean and sober for 31/2 years now, a true miracle considering the dismal statistics for recovery from heroin addiction. Peggy
July 30, 2013 at 10:36 pm
peglud
PS – I meant to post a link to my blog, “Helplessly hoping . . . “. Here it is: http://peglud.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/looking-back-moving-forward/ I hope that Hayley’s story and journey to recovery will provide hope for other parents who are struggling with addiction in their family. Peggy
February 3, 2014 at 11:41 pm
Julian B.
The thing that is wrong is that whenever a problem is being brought to the public’s eye, the people blame the one who’s telling them what the deal is.
I think that’s what happening with Insite. It’s like the project is telling everyone “Look, whether you like it or not, this drug problem is worse than you think, and we need more ways to fight it”, and the community is answering “There wasn’t a problem (or wasn’t that bad) before you came along so YOU must be the problem!”
February 4, 2014 at 10:41 am
Bill Ford
Julian – That sounds accurate to me. I am hearing some interesting response following the death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman. I also notice improvements in treatment following Obama’s ACA compliance requirements. Lets see if the U.S. moves to a proactive position on addiction. Regarding Insite, Gabor Mate is Mother Teresa like, in creating a safe environment for those suffering from addictive illness.