Source: Canberra Times (Australia)
Contact:  http://www.canberratimes.com.au/ 
Pubdate: 4 Nov 1998
Author: Carrie May

DON'T TURN THE NEEDY AWAY, PLEASE

IT'S WONDERFUL that so many drug addicts are seeking rehabilitation, but
it's also very sad that there are not enough places for them and they are
being turned away (CT, October 31, p.7).

My heart sank when I read that, because I remember clearly how it felt when
I was turned away when I went for help from my next-door neighbour after my
alcoholic husband beat me up, yet again! It took another 20 years before a
window of opportunity opened up for me again!

Please don't let that happen to anyone else. I don't care if the one
seeking help is a drug addict, an alcoholic or a victim of domestic
violence. Don't, I beg of you, ever turn them away. The window may not open
again as it did for me.

It is vital to "strike while the iron's hot'', so to speak, otherwise the
person may just give up entirely.

As a society we have an obligation to help those who for whatever reasons
have fallen into despair and need help.

And I am not talking about the kind of "help" Michael Moore advocates. His
idea of keeping drug addicts permanently addicted without a way of escape,
by handing them free heroin, is like keeping a pet dog permanently chained
to its kennel and throwing it an occasional bone. Think what the RSPCA
would say about that!

Spend our money on more rehabilitation places, please and a prevention
campaign because, as any health worker will tell you, prevention is 10
times better than cure.

CARRIE MAY 
Belconnen

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Checked-by: Pat Dolan