Addicts need treatment to end cycle of crime, drugs

By ROD HILTS, London Free Press

 

There's a huge problem in our region that continues to get worse and threatens to spiral out of control.

 

The use of addictive painkillers continues to escalate and with it, the number of thefts in cities.

 

In the year prior to March, one-third of the 265 people accessed at Addiction Services said they used narcotic analgesics -- prescription pain medication -- according to Bluewater Health's director for mental health and addictions. More than two thirds of those accessed said they use alcohol and 39% use cannabis.

 

In Sarnia, police say the surge in painkiller use -- illegal or otherwise -- corresponds to a recent rise in thefts and break and enters from homes and vehicles.

 

It's a vicious cycle. A person with drug addiction turns to a life of crime in order to fuel their need to get high. When a fix is needed, they resort to crime to turn stolen items into the cash to feed their habit.

 

They were once normal people now dealing with a drug addiction which has changed their personalities and is slowing but surely destroying their lives.

 

Sadly, this addictive cycle will continue until police catch up to them. And then after they serve their time, they return to their old habits. The link between drugs and break and enters is not isolated to being just a Sarnia problem. Street rips in London are up In Chatham-Kent break and enters have escalated in recent months and direct links to drug addiction has been made in many cases.

 

The drug addicts are looking to steal anything they can turn into cash quickly. Gold jewelry is a favourite source for instant cash.

 

Many residents make it easy for thieves by leaving doors and windows unlocked. Ditto for garage doors and car doors. Keeping valuable items out of sight and locked in the house is your best defense against being a victim of a break-in.

 

These drug-addicted criminals need help. They desperately need rehabiliative services to assist in ending this cycle of crime and self-destruction.

 

The fact these crimes continue to increase is indicative of a breakdown in our system. More services for the drug addicted must be developed so the cycle of destruction can be stopped. Without help, the crimes will continue to escalate and our police will simply be chasing a revolving door.