Letter: I thought treating my son against his wishes would save him. Instead, we buried him

By Letter to the Editor on March 1, 2025.

Dear editor,

I am horrified but not surprised by the recent (and timely, ie – let’s show them we care, or better yet, let’s distract them from a really big issue currently in the news) announcement in regards to the plan to build two centres in the province to house those under pseudo arrest using the ironically named Compassionate Intervention Act, otherwise known as forced abstinence.

Our premier believes leaving those struggling with a substance use disorder without such help is heartless. I do agree, we need to help. It is our responsibility as members of the human race to do so.

The major problem with such help is in the data though. The number of deaths due to overdosing double for those leaving such treatment. I understand loved ones desperately grasping for any assistance available when faced with someone struggling. I, too, sent my son away for help against his wishes.

He was not ready and we ended up burying him.

People wanting help have difficulty getting access to the necessary supports as it is. Perhaps the $180 million could be used to supply housing and helping get basic needs met.

Studies have shown once housed a person substance use lessens. Perhaps the harm reduction supports, supports that have been proven to save lives, could be put back in place until people are ready for help as dead people don’t recover.

Will such intervention clean up the streets? Not much, as most 911 calls for a suspected overdose are to private homes.

Will families feel a sense of relief forcing a loved one into a program privately run with no standards? With what I have learned over the years, I wouldn’t.

Will our premier gain more votes? Yes, most likely from those supporting such evident lacking, ideological decisions at the cost of human rights being violated.

The crucial question is will less families be planning funerals? I wish I believed the answer to be yes, however I am sadly not hopeful.

Kym Porter

Medicine Hat

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