TIMELY TREATMENT FOR METH IS BIG ISSUE

Editor, The Times:

Like Byron Bidiuk [letters, Dec. 13, the Times], I too sat in on the
University College of the Fraser Valley session on crystal meth.

Unlike Mr. Bidiuk, nobody made me do it. As a member of the community,
I feel privileged to be able to attend open sessions at UCFV - and I
felt it was time well spent.

Although no one close to me is dependent on crystal meth, it is to my
benefit to know as much as I can about such an inexpensive, seductive
drug.

Even without plans to duplicate the recipe, knowing the deadly
ingredients is useful information.

I was pleased to hear there is some good news on the treatment front.
Based on solid science, 5-HTP is being used to help with the
depression and insomnia of those coming off crystal meth.

That does not mean I left the workshop entirely satisfied. When I hear
it can take years for an individual to get space in a treatment
centre, I cringe.

Society - through our governments - is not fulfilling its
responsibility.

The attitude that addiction is solely the addicts' problem is
apparently not getting us very far.

Regina Dalton

Abbotsford