Local councillor Ron Elliott raised a question, but answers will be scarce. His query and proposed motion at a recent council meeting had to do with finding answers for residents worried about drugs and their impact in Minto.
The problem exists across the country. Small sleepy towns are being shocked by incidents where illicit drugs have led to tragedies. One of the great benefits of living in a smaller community is people are familiar with one another and genuinely have concerns for their well-being. Heck, a good number are often related one way or another.
This drug business, however, is a dirty one. There does not seem to be an answer, although we have heard many theories.
It brings to mind an incredibly kind old neighbour who felt the need for a heart to heart with his much younger cousin. Drinking was at the heart of the matter and some tough luck prompted the conversation. He suggested if the young guy wanted a drink that maybe he could “just have a ginger ale.” While perfectly good advice, innocent and kind-hearted, the problem extended beyond wetting a whistle. It was an addiction by that point.
Almost 15 years ago we recall sitting through a presentation at the Police Services Board about crystal meth and left the meeting scared silly for young people. Apart from a horrendous laundry list of poisons that go into making the substance, the idea was floated that users were hooked on the first or second try. Within the year tools from our personal garage were stolen by a middle-aged fellow who wanted cash for crystal meth. The outcomes of this meth menace continue – and seem to have no regard for age.
Similarly, other illegal drugs, from cocaine to heroin to fentanyl, are risky choices made at some point in people’s lives that can cause a lifetime of dependency. In the worst of cases their use begins a downward spiral that can lead to death.
The upcoming legalization of marijuana continues to be a debating point of good public policy. Tragedy in the making or simply a reality check for the masses that choose to abstain?
Cannabis is currently being consumed and, truth be told, there may be some surprises at who is using it or its derivatives for pain relief.
The argument that prohibition never worked sure is compelling, but will this be one slippery slope closer to decriminalization of all drugs. Certainly, Toronto’s Chief Medical officer is already making that plea.
There are also safe injections sites currently under review in Ontario. Doctors we have chatted with insist the merits of providing a safe place for drug users to do their business is a small price to pay compared to dealing with overdoses at emergency wards. Streets and parks are safer when inappropriate activity takes place in a safe consumption zone and apparently, as a bonus, taxpayers save money.
The enormity of the drug issue defies simple solutions. Every attempt at an answer seems to raise more questions. Regardless of how futile the battle against drugs can seem, people must never give up on others.
As a community, we’re in this together.
