ANOTHER BAND-AID FIX

The Alberta government recently passed legislation which will require
pharmacies to place products that contain the ingredients for the
making of crystal meth behind the counter. This can only be considered
a good move in terms of making such ingredients harder to obtain.
Unfortunately, like so many things that are restricted in the interest
of the public good, this will only drive the supply into the criminal
world. Addicts will need a supply of the drug, and so the law of
supply and demand will ensure it is available. The recent drug bust by
the Medicine Hat Police Service is enough proof of that.

Putting the ingredients behind the counter is really just Band-Aid
medicine. It really doesn't get to the heart of the problem which is
convincing people they shouldn't use mind-altering drugs in the first
place. No doubt people will rebut this by saying there is no harm if
there is no permanent damage. The damage is although some people can
handle these kinds of things, others can't. And when those who are
weaker get caught up in drugs, it can be devastating.

It is a sad commentary on society that people have to drug themselves
in order to have fun. The mind is a complex and wonderful thing. For
the most part we have full control over it to relax or laugh. It
should not be necessary for us to numb our senses to fully enjoy life.
But that's the way it is. As much as society tries to control
substance abuse, the example set by society in general with the
consumption of alcohol in excess, shows this is likely a losing
battle. In spite of millions of dollars damage, thousands of deaths,
and all the social consequences, mind-altering products will always be
available and used.

At this time of year it's especially noticeable. The recent drug bust
shows just how big a problem we have in Medicine Hat in this regard.
Sad but true.

Have a joyous new year.

- - Lutz Perschon is a member of the community editorial board.