By Chevi Rabbit
Losing my cousin to addiction last week was a heartbreaking experience that felt like a form of torture.
Witnessing her deterioration served as a stark reminder of the pressing issue that Alberta currently grapples with — the revolving door of charitable drug addicts cycling through nonprofits, perpetuating a relentless cycle of addiction.
The current approach, predominantly centered on harm reduction, has proved insufficient and consistently let down our families.
It’s high time for a thorough reassessment and the elimination of free passes that seem to only prolong the life of the debilitating disease of addiction.
The town must reconsider its stance on harm reduction and candidly acknowledge its limitations.
Providing continuous opportunities for those struggling with addiction to access support without a well-structured plan for rehabilitation may inadvertently contribute to the persistence of this deeply rooted issue.
In light of these challenges, exploring alternative strategies becomes imperative.
One avenue that warrants consideration is intervention through the justice system. Implementing forced rehabilitation within the jail system might prove to be a more effective means of breaking the cycle of addiction.
Granting individuals the freedom to roam the streets without addressing the root causes of their struggles only delays the possibility of recovery and transformation.
It’s crucial to recognize the potential harm in providing excessive freedom to those battling addiction.
Allowing individuals to navigate the streets without proper intervention could be perceived as a form of unintentional torture.
By re-evaluating our approach and emphasizing rehabilitation within the justice system, we may pave a more structured and effective path toward recovery for those affected by the scourge of addiction.
I firmly believe that confining individuals to prison for rehabilitation can shield them from the dangers of this harsh world, providing a protective environment where they are prevented from inflicting harm upon themselves.
In essence, it becomes a way of saving addicts from themselves, offering them a chance for genuine transformation within the confines of a controlled setting.
It’s time for our society to reconsider our approach and prioritize a strategy that not only addresses addiction but actively works towards saving lives and fostering lasting change.
Chevi Rabbit is a local journalist and advocate for LGBTQ+ and Indigenous rights. She grew up in Ponoka and is a member of Montana First Nation.