this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2024
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Opinion: Ontario must resist move to 'forced treatment' for drug users (ottawacitizen.com)
submitted 1 month ago by NightOwl@lemmy.ca to c/canada@lemmy.ca
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Historically, models of isolation and violence inflict deep harm on already targeted peoples: Indigenous, Black, racialized, disabled, criminalized people and drug users. Studies show that forcibly institutionalizing people creates worse outcomes than other forms of support. People already struggle to access voluntary treatment, counselling and bed-based services. This type of incarceration often reduces tolerance to substances, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses upon release, particularly when community-based supports are lacking.

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[โ€“] hobwell@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 month ago

Well said:

We call for policies that are consistent, evidence-based, and based on harm reduction rather than vilifying drug users with a false morality framework.

If the province and municipalities want to address the murderous toxic drug supply, they should provide a safer supply and expand supervised consumption sites.

If the province and municipalities want to address the housing needs of the thousands of people who cannot afford a place to live, they should prioritize protecting tenant rights and explore non-market housing solutions, such as investments in social housing.

We cannot hide the problems we are faced with in Ontario or warehouse people to pretend weโ€™ve solved underlying issues; we must highlight and challenge systems of neglect, exploitation and harm.