The epidemic rate of HIV among injection drug users in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside has been the cause of a lot of discussion lately. But everyone, it seems, has a different idea of what should be done about it, if anything.

Libby Davies, MP for Vancouver-East, believes we should address the issue by calling on the federal government to implement clinical, multi-centre prescription heroin trials. These trials would involve addicts, who meet certain criteria, being given heroin by doctors in what Davies calls "a hugely controlled, scientifically evaluated environment." More than mere so-called shooting galleries, the goal of this treatment is "to begin the process of rehabilitation."

Davies says the harm comes from the fact that the drugs are illegal. While she does not advocate the decriminalization of heroin, she says that "we need to see this as a medical and not a criminal issue," because users on the streets sometimes participate in criminal acts to obtain drugs. They often don't know what they are getting, and the result is often overdose, according to Davies.

The idea is to take a "harm reduction approach" said Davies. "We must get over the psychological barrier that deals with drugs as a moral issue. People believe that users are bad and make it a criminal issue."

Although "abstinence is the ultimate goal," she feels that we should start by stabilizing the situation. The message is not to promote drugs, she says, but to target the people that need help and give them a safe environment where they can get the help they need to break their addictions.

Supporters of the motion agree that if the programs are implemented, they must be accompanied with a good education program and proper medical supervision. Ministry of Health spokesperson, Jeff Gaulin says the message the world tries to convey is that "drug use is unacceptable. It sends mixed messages, especially to the children, if the drug is legalized."

He continues to state that B.C. has the best methadone program in Canada with approximately 5000 addicts that participate, as well as 500 physicians that prescribe the drug. In the five years since they took over from the federal government, there has been a five fold increase in both doctors and addicts, indicating that the treatment is effective.

Davies says that while methadone treatment programs have had some success in the past, "we need to look at other options." And heroin trials are just one example. Other items in the Davies agenda that she said must be addressed are that conditions in correctional settings must be improved. Services involving the exchange and disposal of needles and professional training should also be improved.

"We need to improve housing, counselling services, and provide more resources to people," she added.

SFU psychology professor Barry Beyerstein believes that we should take the control away from the underworld. According to Beyerstein, the one death per day rate from heroin overdose can be attributed to the black market.

"Decriminalizing drugs is an advantage if users begin to see the police and members of social services as allies instead of enemies," Beyerstein says.

"It's worked in Switzerland," Davies said. "Instead of coming out of jail, people were coming out of treatment centres and they were getting jobs. I mean, they were actually integrating themselves back into society, which is what we want. We're not talking about handing out drugs, but rehabilitating people."

Informed sources in Ottawa, who asked not to be named, told The Peak they give the bill little chance of passing.

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