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Addiction and mental illness in Victoria


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#1861 Belleprincess

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Posted 26 September 2022 - 07:09 AM

I’m absolutely terrified that we will get another 4 years of the far left. Things will never get better with these folks. Reading their platforms, the solution is: more housing. Well, we’ve already tried that and things just keep getting worse
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#1862 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 26 September 2022 - 07:13 AM

I’m absolutely terrified that we will get another 4 years of the far left. Things will never get better with these folks. Reading their platforms, the solution is: more housing. Well, we’ve already tried that and things just keep getting worse

 

There is a significant portion of the population that are perfectly willing to accept free food and housing, and welfare payments.  And then many work or steal just enough to afford some drugs.  There is no indication that most of those we house for free get there and then start rebulding regular, working and contributing lives.


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 September 2022 - 07:13 AM.

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#1863 Nparker

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Posted 26 September 2022 - 08:44 AM

#wokeinsanity
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#1864 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 26 September 2022 - 08:53 AM

There is no indication that most of those we house for free get there and then start rebulding regular, working and contributing lives.

 

Or even many.   See: tiny homes Caledonia, only one move-out in the first year.  And that's a place with no tubs/showers in the rooms.   Imagine a nicer hotel suite, many would never want to leave.


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 September 2022 - 08:54 AM.


#1865 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 26 September 2022 - 11:28 AM

At least two SOLID workers have died from illicit drug overdoses this year. Here’s $80,000 for your great work!



Victoria harm-reduction group receives $80,000 from province

SOLID Outreach Society, which has a drop-in space on North Park Street, delivers harm-reduction supplies with the help of people who have had their own substance-use challenges

https://www.timescol...rovince-5871897

Willson said there is a “serious” lack of drop-in spaces for people who use drugs, people who are homeless and for people who might have basic housing needs met but who have nowhere to go during the day.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 September 2022 - 11:29 AM.


#1866 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 26 September 2022 - 11:31 AM

Nowhere to go during the day. That’s when people “go to work”. I wonder if they counsel that.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 26 September 2022 - 11:31 AM.

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#1867 Mike K.

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Posted 28 September 2022 - 09:09 AM

Preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service shows that the toxic drug supply claimed the lives of at least 169 British Columbians in August 2022, bringing the total number of lives lost in the calendar year to 1,468.

“The illicit drug market continues to pose immense risks to people across our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “People in communities across B.C. are continuing to lose friends, family members and colleagues to the unprecedented toxicity of the unregulated drug supply. I extend my sincere condolences to all of those grieving the loss of a loved one.”

The 169 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in August represent a 12% decrease from the total reported in July 2022 (193), and equate to about 5.5 deaths per day. So far in 2022, 71% of those dying from toxic drugs were between 30 and 59, and 78% were male.

At least 150 illicit drug-related deaths have been recorded in B.C. in every month since October 2020, with the exception of June 2022, when 149 deaths were reported. During that 23-month period, an average of 184 lives have been lost each month.

Illicit drug toxicity is the leading cause of unnatural death in British Columbia and is second only to cancers in terms of years of life lost. At least 10,326 British Columbians have been lost to the illicit drug supply since the public-health emergency for substance-related harms was first declared in April 2016.

”In their March 2022 report, the subject matter experts of the recent Coroners Service Death Review Panel highlighted the urgent need for the development of a provincial framework for safer supply distribution,” said Lapointe. “This measure, along with a governance framework that sets clear goals, targets and timeframes for reducing substance-related deaths, and the establishment of an evidence-based continuum of care for those experiencing problematic substance use, were identified as three key areas to address this public health crisis.”

Additional key preliminary findings are below. Data is subject to change as additional toxicology results are received:

By health authority, the highest number of illicit drug toxicity deaths in 2022 have been in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities (455 and 405 deaths, respectively), making up 59% of all such deaths.
By health authority, the highest rates of death have been in Northern Health (52 deaths per 100,000 individuals) and Vancouver Coastal Health (48 per 100,000). Overall, the rate in B.C. in 2022 is 42 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
By Health Service Delivery Area, the highest rates in 2022 have been in Vancouver, Northwest, Thompson Cariboo, Northern Interior and Fraser East.
By Local Health Area, the highest rates in 2022 have been in Lillooet, Cowichan Valley West, Terrace, Alberni/Clayoquot and Merritt.
In 2022, 82% of illicit drug toxicity deaths occurred inside (56% in private residences and 27% in other inside residences, including social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters, and hotels and other indoor locations) and 16% occurred outside in vehicles, sidewalks, streets, parks, etc.
No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.
Analysis of post-mortem toxicology results shows no indication that prescribed safe supply is contributing to illicit drug deaths regionally or provincially.

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#1868 Belleprincess

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Posted 01 October 2022 - 07:07 PM

Except the government keeps letting them die. This is what they call “compassion”
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#1869 dasmo

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Posted 01 October 2022 - 07:55 PM

Sounds like they want to get into the recreational hard drug business too. That read like an ad.

#1870 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 01 October 2022 - 10:20 PM

78% are male.

Are males more likely to assume risks?

Are males more likely to be in physical or emotional pain?

This is something we need to study.

#1871 Sparky

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Posted 02 October 2022 - 05:33 AM

In 90 days it will no longer be a criminal offence to posses Schedule 1 drugs for personal use.

 

https://news.gov.bc....MMHA0029-000850

 

I could not find any statistics for arrests of trafficking in Schedule 1 drugs. I find it hard to believe that dealers can operate among the users undetected and free to ply their trade in a daily killing spree.

 

Sum Ting Wong


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#1872 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 02 October 2022 - 05:45 AM

^

Kennedy Stewart, mayor, Vancouver –

"Decriminalizing possession of drugs is a historic, brave and groundbreaking step in the fight to save lives from the poisoned drug crisis. Today marks a fundamental rethinking of drug policy that favours health care over handcuffs, and I could not be more proud of the leadership shown here by the governments of Canada and British Columbia."



It’s too bad the word “proven” can’t be included in the above opening sentence. The Oregon experience seems to show that it doesn’t work.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 October 2022 - 05:46 AM.

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#1873 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 02 October 2022 - 07:35 AM

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Thank God we declared that emergency in 2016.


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 October 2022 - 07:36 AM.


#1874 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 02 October 2022 - 08:01 AM

Fentanyl fuels street crime at 3rd & Pine, but Seattle police patrols help, neighbors say

 

It’s been a little over six months since Seattle police launched an operation that first targeted open-air drug use at 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street in the Chinatown International District, then focused on seizing drugs, illegal weapons and stolen merchandise from the area around Third Avenue and Pine Street in the downtown retail core.

Strand figured that disrupting the drug market at 12th and Jackson would be fairly straightforward because the activity wasn’t anchored in the neighborhood and there was no specific reason for people to gather there. But he thought Third and Pine — with its confluence of tourism destinations, retail stores and public transit, as well as the area’s long history as a hub of drug and criminal activity — would require a longer, concentrated push to reduce illicit behavior and improve public safety.

He was right on both fronts.

The crowds that used to gather at 12th and Jackson haven’t returned. And while public safety problems persist throughout the Chinatown ID, Strand said the recent removal of an encampment near the troubled intersection, moving 40 people into housing, has helped further curb street disorder there.

 

https://www.seattlet...Registered User



#1875 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 03 October 2022 - 06:37 PM

The province is investing $80,000 in Victoria’s Solid Outreach Society, with the aim of extending life-saving services and supports for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

 

The society offers a low-barrier space with a comprehensive range of culturally appropriate overdose prevention, health education and support services delivered by people with lived experience of substance use to reduce the harm associated with drug use, according to a release. Solid aims to help members stay alive during difficult times so they will have the opportunity to improve their lives with the proper supports.

 

“Solid is a place of connection for people who don’t always get the care they should,” said Sheila Malcolmson, minister of mental health and addictions. “With our funding, Solid will continue to welcome people with addiction challenges in Victoria and support them seeking the help they need.”

 

https://www.vicnews....n-organization/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As noted here recently, at least two SOLID workers themselves died of drug overdoses in 2022.

 

Is there any (forgive the pun) soild indication that SOLID is saving any lives?

 

Seems to me we are just putting a bunch of junkies on the payroll.  With no measurable positive results.


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 October 2022 - 06:41 PM.

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#1876 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 04 October 2022 - 05:50 AM

Vancouver and Victoria get the most attention, but there’s one anecdote that illustrates how pervasive the crises are.

 

The report states that in little Oak Bay, the 23-member police department gets a call about once a month to pick up an individual on a mental health warrant. He’s a cop hater who goes off his meds, becomes paranoid and carries a machete.

 

Apprehending him is a big issue that can require days of surveillance to execute safely. They get him to hospital, “then we repeat a month later,” police told the authors. “That has a huge impact on our resources.”

 

 

 

 

https://www.timescol...larming-5905629

 

 

 

And I'm sure Victoria has 100+ of these cases.


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 04 October 2022 - 05:51 AM.


#1877 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 05 October 2022 - 03:15 AM

B.C. Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon says the province needs to follow Alberta’s example in its approach to the toxic-drug-overdose crisis.

 

That means investing “quite heavily” in addiction treatment and recovery programs rather than harm reduction, Falcon said during a media availability on Tuesday.

 

Falcon said Alberta is seeing reductions in deaths, whereas B.C.’s treatment and recovery options are a patchwork that isn’t working “for almost anybody.”

 

“The results are getting worse every year in terms of overdose deaths, and that is tragic, because these are people often in the prime of their lives that are losing lives.”

 

The result of the B.C. government’s focus on harm reduction is to keep people in their “addiction lifestyle,” Falcon said.

 

https://www.timescol...-crisis-5911046


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#1878 Nparker

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Posted 05 October 2022 - 06:22 AM

Falcon isn't wrong.

#1879 dasmo

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Posted 05 October 2022 - 09:00 AM

You need both. It's the very meaning of the Yin Yang symbol. Balance. All harm reduction and you get this. All hard line enforcement and you have a police state. You need both IMO. Portugal seems to have done alright so far and contrary to popular narrative they didn't forget about the yang.... It's actually a little like Davids proposal. 

https://youtu.be/LH0...e/LH0LBPfRjIs  



#1880 Victoria Watcher

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Posted 05 October 2022 - 01:58 PM

I feel for this woman. But I think she’s not being honest with herself about the reasons for the drug use/addiction:






“When he was in school he returned to speed to help him cope with finals, with exams, with staying up all night to study. So that’s the irony is that he was doing drugs to have what he thought was a normal lifestyle,” said Michalofsky. “He was trying to be careful, but there was no way to be careful because the drug he was taking was a loaded gun.”

Michalofsky says if Aubrey could have found a safer supply of drugs, he would have used it.

“Aubrey was my only son. I don’t I don’t know. It’s like I don’t have a future now,” said Michalofsky.

https://www.cheknews...supply-1100792/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 05 October 2022 - 01:58 PM.


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