Discussions

This was the front page story in the Brandon Sun today.  
 
From personal experience with a family member struggling with a drug addiction I can attest to the underbelly of this beast and its ugliness that is taking a grip on our community.  
 
My frustration is with the many heads in the sand acting as if we are a community of 25 years ago when marijauna was a big deal. Those days are gone.  
 
Am I the only one worried in our community about the rising issues we see that come with drug trafficking/use?  
 
Edited by Dunno, 2017-02-01 09:04:55

besides the police busting the slime that sell that sh&t?

Johnbisonbear said "besides the police busting the slime that sell that sh&t? "

Community needs to stop sitting on its hands and acting like there's no problem.  
 
Community needs to make it uncomfortable for dealers. I've been known to squeeze drug dealers out of my neighborhood. Unfortunately they'll relocate to another neighborhood, but at least I've done my civic duty in letting them know that they won't be tolerated here.  
 
Change can't happen until there is an acceptance of a problem. Sweeping it under the carpet has worked in this community in the past, but can no longer be the norm.  
 
I'm not sure exactly what my role will be in bringing light to this problem, but I can tell you that the squeaky wheel gets the grease and I'm about to get squeaky.

Dunno said "    Johnbisonbear said "besides the police busting the slime that sell that sh&t? " Community needs to stop sitting on its hands and acting like there's no problem.     Community needs to make it uncomfortable for dealers. I've been known to squeeze drug dealers out of my neighborhood. Unfortunately they'll relocate to another neighborhood, but at least I've done my civic duty in letting them know that they won't be tolerated here.     Change can't happen until there is an acceptance of a problem. Sweeping it under the carpet has worked in this community in the past, but can no longer be the norm.     I'm not sure exactly what my role will be in bringing light to this problem, but I can tell you that the squeaky wheel gets the grease and I'm about to get squeaky. "

I get what you're saying but I don't think any one of my neighbours would try to squeeze dealers out of the neighbourhood. Most don't even recognize issues outside of the fences. Awareness would be start.  
 
Did our mayor not say that Brandonites are safe if we don't run in those circles, or something along those lines (when Project Derringer hit/home invasion in the east end?)?  
 
If our own mayor/police force are wanting residents to believe that the city is completely safe and tell the public not to worry, what's the point of getting involved in anything? It's not like the public would have any backing whatsoever.

Hackeda said "    Dunno said "    Johnbisonbear said "besides the police busting the slime that sell that sh&t? " Community needs to stop sitting on its hands and acting like there's no problem.     Community needs to make it uncomfortable for dealers. I've been known to squeeze drug dealers out of my neighborhood. Unfortunately they'll relocate to another neighborhood, but at least I've done my civic duty in letting them know that they won't be tolerated here.     Change can't happen until there is an acceptance of a problem. Sweeping it under the carpet has worked in this community in the past, but can no longer be the norm.     I'm not sure exactly what my role will be in bringing light to this problem, but I can tell you that the squeaky wheel gets the grease and I'm about to get squeaky. " I get what you're saying but I don't think any one of my neighbours would try to squeeze dealers out of the neighbourhood. Most don't even recognize issues outside of the fences. Awareness would be start.     Did our mayor not say that Brandonites are safe if we don't run in those circles, or something along those lines (when Project Derringer hit/home invasion in the east end?)?     If our own mayor/police force are wanting residents to believe that the city is completely safe and tell the public not to worry, what's the point of getting involved in anything? It's not like the public would have any backing whatsoever. "

I have lived in Brandon for 38 of my 49 years.  
 
I've seen the community grow and I've seen the community lag in changing its ways as needed.  
 
I've been one of these voices saying, "what's the point?" and "what can be done?". And now I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and take action.  
 
What action? Well, it's already started with these small conversations. Which will inevitably grow into bigger conversations. Which will inevitably grow into change.  
 
Why get involved? Why take action? Cause you could save a life. Possibly my son's life.

Dunno said "    Hackeda said "    Dunno said "    Johnbisonbear said "besides the police busting the slime that sell that sh&t? " Community needs to stop sitting on its hands and acting like there's no problem.     Community needs to make it uncomfortable for dealers. I've been known to squeeze drug dealers out of my neighborhood. Unfortunately they'll relocate to another neighborhood, but at least I've done my civic duty in letting them know that they won't be tolerated here.     Change can't happen until there is an acceptance of a problem. Sweeping it under the carpet has worked in this community in the past, but can no longer be the norm.     I'm not sure exactly what my role will be in bringing light to this problem, but I can tell you that the squeaky wheel gets the grease and I'm about to get squeaky. " I get what you're saying but I don't think any one of my neighbours would try to squeeze dealers out of the neighbourhood. Most don't even recognize issues outside of the fences. Awareness would be start.     Did our mayor not say that Brandonites are safe if we don't run in those circles, or something along those lines (when Project Derringer hit/home invasion in the east end?)?     If our own mayor/police force are wanting residents to believe that the city is completely safe and tell the public not to worry, what's the point of getting involved in anything? It's not like the public would have any backing whatsoever. " I have lived in Brandon for 38 of my 49 years.     I've seen the community grow and I've seen the community lag in changing its ways as needed.     I've been one of these voices saying, "what's the point?" and "what can be done?". And now I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and take action.     What action? Well, it's already started with these small conversations. Which will inevitably grow into bigger conversations. Which will inevitably grow into change.     Why get involved? Why take action? Cause you could save a life. Possibly my son's life. "

What action are you taking?  
 
What I'd like to see is our city admin/police force be straight with the public and stop sugar-coating the crime here. I talk to people and they don't know the half of what is going on in this town, in their own neighbourhoods. They really don't care to hear the reality. If they are safe behind their fenced compounds, life must be good.  
 
From your first post, you moved drug dealers out of your neighbourhood to another neighbourhood. You sacrificed someone else's son in a different neighbour for the safety of your own son. That action doesn't scream community to me.  
 
If getting a conversation starting is what you wanted to do, that's good. If the expectation is for the public to make their neighbourhoods uncomfortable for dealers, I don't think that realistic. There are some things that need to be left to law enforcement. Perhaps putting pressure on the city/police would be another good thing to start.  
 
FWIW, been here for 42 years.

I guess you could call it a movement. Or simply advocating for a safer community.  
 
In every community there are neighborhoods. In each neighborhood you have people like me who are admired for standing up when others choose to sit down. Keeping my neighborhood safe is my and my neighbors job. Keeping the community safe in its entirety is the job of the police.  
 
All neighborhoods should have a me to lead by example! Perhaps if they did drug dealers wouldn't roam the city looking for the weakest neighborhood to set up shop. I'm doing my small part, but everyone else has to do theirs too.  
 
I am not naive enough to think that I can eliminate the drug problem we have in our community. But I am hopeful that with a community behind me we can let the drug trade know that they we are united against them and definitely not afraid of them.  
 
They are after all just a person trying to make their own way in life. No real power, just a person.

I think of this issue in fairly simple terms, supply and demand, and until the demand goes away someone will always fill the supply as it's profitable.  
 
I keep reading news articles about operation this or that targeting dealers and traffickers, yet on the other hand I also see as many articles where we as a society are setting up safe sites so users can safely use these drugs without fear of the consequences.  
 
We almost always see the drug user as the victim, and in some cases they are if they were forced into it, but the majority of users voluntarily opted in, for whatever reason, whether it be an escape from life or just to experiment.  
 
I think it's pretty common knowledge that drugs are bad, m'kay(thx mr mackay lol), yet why do so many people, and these people aren't monsters, they're our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters continue to do this willingly to themselves ?  
 
I must be lucky in that I've never felt the need to alter my perception of reality too much, I've often wondered what a hallucinogenic acid or lsd trip must be like, but I know there are potential consequences and wouldn't risk it, yet so many others do on a daily basis for "fun".  
 
I hate to say it but I think this issue will plague us as a society until the end of time, short of a monumental shift in our thinking as a whole.

Dunno said "I guess you could call it a movement. Or simply advocating for a safer community.     In every community there are neighborhoods. In each neighborhood you have people like me who are admired for standing up when others choose to sit down. Keeping my neighborhood safe is my and my neighbors job. Keeping the community safe in its entirety is the job of the police.     All neighborhoods should have a me to lead by example! Perhaps if they did drug dealers wouldn't roam the city looking for the weakest neighborhood to set up shop. I'm doing my small part, but everyone else has to do theirs too.     I am not naive enough to think that I can eliminate the drug problem we have in our community. But I am hopeful that with a community behind me we can let the drug trade know that they we are united against them and definitely not afraid of them.     They are after all just a person trying to make their own way in life. No real power, just a person. "

After the gun violence we seen last summer these people are not to be played with!  
 
Maybe if the Bear Clan gets up and running they will make a difference? Fingers crossed!

that there us a drug/crime problem in this city. I guess I am clued out, though, how i would go about squeezing a dealer out of my neighborhood. Luckily at this point there isn't any dealer in my neighborhood-I hope that remains true for the next 20 years. I do my part to keep burglars and thieves away. I just don't know what I would or could do about a drug dealer if one moved in? Please describe what you do other than report suspicious activity?

I am glad they have been mentioned in this feed.  
 
I attended their information session here in Brandon and have subsequently offered to be on the committee to get this underway in our community. Our first meeting as a committee is on Feb 6th.  
 
They will definitely be a means to have a presence in the community each day. I look forward to ensuring they are successful here.

JessieJay said "that there us a drug/crime problem in this city. I guess I am clued out, though, how i would go about squeezing a dealer out of my neighborhood. Luckily at this point there isn't any dealer in my neighborhood-I hope that remains true for the next 20 years. I do my part to keep burglars and thieves away. I just don't know what I would or could do about a drug dealer if one moved in? Please describe what you do other than report suspicious activity? "

Hi.  
 
I've literally stood in my yard and eyeballed people coming to buy drugs. I've asked users if they were there to purchase drugs or just visiting. Once the dealer and the buyers know they are not getting away with it, they will move on.  
 
Am I afraid of retalitation from the drug dealer? NO! They are the small fish in the big pond and have a lot to lose by showing their hand. They just slink away worried about the reprecussion from their higher ups if they get caught.

illicit drug trafficking and use has always been prolific in Brandon. 20 years ago it was the local motorcycle club and the violence that culminated in the execution of at least one member, and the club president missing and presumed dead. Not to mention the shot out in broad daylight tied to that gang on portage avenue (despite them having roots in Brandon)and the extortion and kidnapping that went along side their business ventures.  
 
Dunno - It''s great to get involved with activist groups and local community groups that are watching our neighborhoods but your comment about "squeezing" out a few drug dealers in your neighborhood in your day is crazy. Its one thing to scare a bottom of the ladder dealer that sells to keep himself high or some guy living in his moms basement selling weed but do more than inform the police without drawing attention to yourself whatsoever with some of the real crazy ass gang bangers or one of the quite scary dudes the BPS has recently busted and you could find your house is the one being shot up and thats a much more likely scenario that could endanger your child than them becoming involved with drug use.  
 
Our drug policy in this country and in the U.S is a failed policy. Criminalizing drug use and drug dealing will have no effect on demand and will have a temporary at best effect on supply. read the academic papers on the subject or if that is to wordy for you hell download a ted talk on addiction or drug policy. Our approach to use punishment and drive the market underground is the reason why the recent fentanyl epidemic has taken so many lives.  
 
Edited by chatzy717, 2017-02-01 13:42:00

Step 1-Admit there is a problem. That is the key to recovery. I moved to Brandon 17 years ago. I knew back then it was around. I knew it was low on the radar of police and schools. Where we failed then is lack of awareness and information.  
 
Dunno I am glad that you want to be a squeaky wheel. It is great that you can spot and thwart off dealers in your area. From my experience many dealers go undetected. You usually very easily spot the dirty dealers/junkies, the lowest on the pole street level workers. You can have dealers as doctors, business people, officers, etc. Very interested in seeing how you find dealers.  
It is frustrating to see this in the paper since moving here. I attended an evening drug awareness clinic put on at Crocus shortly after moving here. The whole thing was a joke. To spot users was to look for a bunch of chemicals and a funny smell in the area as it was probably a meth lab. I just shook my head the whole time. It was offered to speak to children but that went on deaf ears. Neither the school division nor the police chief wanted anything to hear or talk of it. The problem is that we have professionals such as drug councillors that become the know all be all of these topics due to reading something in a book, off the internet, tv, etc. The people using will have a totally different view of why they are using. Now I have been out of that loop for 19 years and 4 months I am sure a lot has changed, and I am sure a lot hasn’t.  
 
Party Time Users: Many get into it for the pure pleasure that is released. When taken while drinking is an easy introduction into the drug. It was a popular bar drug. Party all night and drink like a fish, what better way to have an evening/weekend. If your will is strong most would end it on that note and back to reality till next party. If you are strong the “crash” isn’t too hard on a person. Lots will not want the party to end and keep using, becomes very addicting.  
 
Professional Users: Use for that extra workload they can take on. Truck drives can drive longer, nurses can hustle and keep up to a fast pace, people working night shifts can go without blinking an eye. Lots will not want to day to slow and keep using, becomes very addicting.  
 
Social and society ills Users: People will use to escape their problems. This may be depression, life caught in a rut, peer pressure, big school report due and pressure is too much and they need more time, all sorts of personal issues. They get a boost outside the reality of today’s world and an “escape”. You find that “inner peace” with yourself and never want it to leave, becomes very addicting.  
The common theme is they all are very addicting. Meth is one of the most addicting drugs out there. It is also one of the most dirties drugs out there. With bans on certain chemicals, labs have had to find creative ways to produce it, thus involving dangerous and toxic chemical mixtures.  
 
There was a saying a long time ago “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. One was taught to be tough. Never show weakness. Suck it up and move on. Today the world is a very different place. Media sites such as Facebook can be easy ways to wreak havoc on another person. All it may take is one person to call someone fat and their comment gets 500 likes….That person called fat may feel so down that they resort to Meth to help lose weight. People growing up constantly getting praised and winning all these participation medals only to find out life is tough and life gives no participation medals when you are older. Some take that very hard and have difficulty coping with a false reality that we give them growing up. May push them to use meth to escape to a euphoric reality they create. It could be a mother trying to raise a family and is pressured to think it is unacceptable to have toys or dirty clothes lying on the floor. Pressures of being that perfect parent and not be judged as a bad parent. “Sweating the small stuff”. A user doesn’t just come from a poor home, a bad area in the city, a certain race. We are all vulnerable to these drugs. We shun and push the weaker aside. We fail to embrace and give them the help and ability to cope with issues they face. We are quick to judge and label each other. It is done on a daily basis even on eBrandon daily. We are taught that asking for help is something of a bad thing. There will be no easy way to combat meth use. One thing that will really help is hold open more doors for those that need it rather than blow hot air saying don’t do drugs, they are bad for you.  
 
Edited by Fishin Guy, 2017-02-01 13:40:45

chatzy717 said "illicit drug trafficking and use has always been prolific in Brandon. 20 years ago it was the local motorcycle club and the violence that culminated in the execution of at least one member, and the club president missing and presumed dead. Not to mention the shot out in broad daylight tied to that gang on portage avenue (despite them having roots in Brandon)and the extortion and kidnapping that went along side their business ventures.     Dunno - It's great to get involved with activist groups and local community groups that are watching our neighborhoods but your comment about "squeezing" out a few drug dealers in your neighborhood in your day is crazy. Its one thing to scare a bottom of the ladder dealer that sells to keep himself high or some guy living in his moms basement selling weed but do more than inform the police without drawing attention to yourself whatsoever with some of the real crazy ass gang bangers or one of the quite scary dudes the BPS has recently busted and you could find your house is the one being shot up and thats a much more likely senario that could endanger your child. "

Not afraid of Crazy Ass Gang Bangers. Sorry.  
 
That's what they want is for a community to live in fear of them. We fear...they control. Should be the other way around.  
 
We are a community of 50,000 people. The drug dealers are a tiny percentage of that. We are stronger together than they are seperately. Right? They aren't together. As you've said, they have their own "gangs" to worry about. They are nothing against a community united.  
 
A bit of personal info. Back in the 80's I had a family member that was well verse in the two prominent gangs of the day. At the end of the day they don't give a crap about the average citizen in a community, they just care about one upping each other. It's about power. Take away that power and they have nothing.

Thank you for the thoughtful response to a very complicated issue!

Our drug policy in this country and in the U.S is a failed policy. Criminalizing drug use and drug dealing will have no effect on demand and will have a temporary at best effect on supply. read the academic papers on the subject or if that is to wordy for you hell download a ted talk on addiction or drug policy. Our approach to use punishment and drive the market underground is the reason why the recent fentanyl epidemic has taken so many lives.  
 
There has been illicit drug use and a market for illicit drug use across the world since the dawn of capitalism. The only benefit of criminalizing it is that the small minority of of the dealers that are just bat shit crazy menaces to society will be put away. They however are few and far between. I will bet the farm that 95% of dealers in Brandon and communities like Brandon are in your midst and none of you are even aware. They dont run crack houses and they dont solicit and "push" drugs on school age kids. Hell with the advent of the darknet and crypto currency Canada Post is delivering heroin, cocaine, meth and a plethora of drugs 99.9% of society isnt even aware exists let alone the legal research chemicals out there to your neighbors door step every day. You think the police, lawyers, doctors, nurses, politicians and the average joe that have a propensity for recreational drug use buy there stuff from the street corner? And dont kid yourself I guarantee that every person who reads this thread hold someone in high regard that they would otherwise refer to as a druggie degenerate with the only thing about said person that has changed is the label of "drug user" that would apply were you to be in the know.

that shot up those houses in the east end. Whats to prevent them from doing that to your home? It was a real threat of a contract killing put out by another high ranking organized crime personality that sparked the RCMP to cut short a very extensive operation and swoop in for another recent bust.  
 
Don't kid yourself. Just because this element of criminal is the minority don't think they arent out there and are exclusive to the crypts and bloods of major U.S cities. People die in drug related violence in Manitoba too. Like I said you only see the visible drug trafficking being perpetrated by people who likely would win a darwin award for least likely to pass on their genes through natural selection. To that end I'm sure your safe and would be little threat to the minoroty of monsters in our midst. But six degrees of separation could result in placing you in harms way.  
 
If it makes you feel like your making a difference all the power to you. At the end of the day though it isnt going to stop your own kid, my kids or anyone we know from using drugs if they want to.  
 
I myself am a libertarian. I dont see substance use as inherently bad or evil. I recognize the research that invalidates the so called "gateway" theory of drug use. I have known and do know many an upstanding citizen with a good moral compass who contribute to their community for the better, pay their taxes and are excellent parents who on occasion use various intoxicants other than the socially and legally accepted alcohol, tobacco and soon to be marijuana. I'm not so naive to not recognize that as a society there those amongst us who have areas of their lives that are seriously negatively impacted whether it be in their jobs, their relationships or their health due to behavior in no way tied to illicit drugs whether it be gambling, shopping, energy drinks, sex, video games, extreme sports, dieting etc etc.  
 
Who are you, or I or our elected officials to determine alcohol intoxication is ok, drinking 12 energy drinks a day is ok, smoking we'll keep legal as long is it provides tax revenue, hell historically the U.S at least will even put methamphetamine in every U.S soldiers army issue back pack during times of war when it suits us but we will call the person who eats a mushroom they pick or who has a plant in their backyard that contains a hallucinogenic alkaloid a criminal.  
each of us may know someone who has been impacted negatively by illicit drug use but I will confidently bet the farm that we know many more who we arent aware use a substance that live productive, meaningful lives who we are better for having known.

chatzy717 said "that shot up those houses in the east end. Whats to prevent them from doing that to your home? It was a real threat of a contract killing put out by another high ranking organized crime personality that sparked the RCMP to cut short a very extensive operation and swoop in for another recent bust.     Don't kid yourself. Just because this element of criminal is the minority don't think they arent out there and are exclusive to the crypts and bloods of major U.S cities. People die in drug related violence in Manitoba too. Like I said you only see the visible drug trafficking being perpetrated by people who likely would win a darwin award for least likely to pass on their genes through natural selection. To that end I'm sure your safe and would be little threat to the minoroty of monsters in our midst. But six degrees of separation could result in placing you in harms way.     If it makes you feel like your making a difference all the power to you. At the end of the day though it isnt going to stop your own kid, my kids or anyone we know from using drugs if they want to.     I myself am a libertarian. I dont see substance use as inherently bad or evil. I recognize the research that invalidates the so called "gateway" theory of drug use. I have known and do know many an upstanding citizen with a good moral compass who contribute to their community for the better, pay their taxes and are excellent parents who on occasion use various intoxicants other than the socially and legally accepted alcohol, tobacco and soon to be marijuana. I'm not so naive to not recognize that as a society there those amongst us who have areas of their lives that are seriously negatively impacted whether it be in their jobs, their relationships or their health due to behavior in no way tied to illicit drugs whether it be gambling, shopping, energy drinks, sex, video games, extreme sports, dieting etc etc.     Who are you, or I or our elected officials to determine alcohol intoxication is ok, drinking 12 energy drinks a day is ok, smoking we'll keep legal as long is it provides tax revenue, hell historically the U.S at least will even put methamphetamine in every U.S soldiers army issue back pack during times of war when it suits us but we will call the person who eats a mushroom they pick or who has a plant in their backyard that contains a hallucinogenic alkaloid a criminal.   each of us may know someone who has been impacted negatively by illicit drug use but I will confidently bet the farm that we know many more who we arent aware use a substance that live productive, meaningful lives who we are better for having known. "

Very well said

is one I could have an endless dialogue/debate about. I commend Dunno for wanting to take a stand against what he perceives as an evil and a blight in his community. The recent influx, seizures and use of guns in our community tied to gang run drug enterprises necessitates action but I will continue to argue that that the violence and threats to our safety is not the drugs themselves so much as the criminalization of the drugs.  
Educating ourselves and especially our children should be the go to tactic if one is trying to keep those they love from using drugs.  
Statistically about 40% of Canadians will experiment with pot and less than 1% will experiment with any other illicit drug while 89% will use alcohol.  
Almost all experimentation or low levels of involvement with any substance OTHER than alcohol or pot occurs between the ages of 15 and 24.  
If we can keep our kids away from drugs during this critical period the likelihood of them ever using anything but pot or booze are negligible.  
We aren't going to do this with "just say no" campaigns. We arent going to do this with the propaganda and BS lies that past campaigns have perpetuated such as "ecstasy drains spinal fluid" or the completely false MRI brain scan posters in every guidance counselor office showing decreased brain activity and supposed "holes" in the brain caused by drug use. Our kids have the internet at their disposal and are smart. If we lose our credibility to give accurate truthful information they wont trust us when it comes to any information.  
We need to change our tactics of tough love and interventions where we threaten our loved ones with disassociation and abandonment. We need to ensure that bonds and relationships with our young people flourish. When people have meaningful connections and are invested in each other and when we take notice and instill the values in our young act and treat their peers with the compassion and empathy all to often lost on the young and not often enough stressed upon them by their elders then we will see positive change when it comes to drugs.  
Much easier to label, shun, judge, demonize and threaten dealer and user alike though.  
I wonder how many who would stand up to the dealers and take back their communities for the betterment of us all and shame the users who dare enter their community wouldn't ever consider crossing the street to put a druggie out if he was on fire let alone show any positive regard in the slightest.

Drug use is kind of like fire. Blaming the drug use on the police force is like blaming frequent fires on the fire department. All we can do is inform those closest to us and support them in their journey. I personally know 2 people that were abusers of cocaine and crystal meth. I can tell you this, wherever you have a cluster of people (i.e. Shilo/Brandon) you will see drugs...it's inevitable. The only and best fight against drugs is information and knowledge.

chatzy717 said "illicit drug trafficking and use has always been prolific in Brandon. 20 years ago it was the local motorcycle club and the violence that culminated in the execution of at least one member, and the club president missing and presumed dead. Not to mention the shot out in broad daylight tied to that gang on portage avenue (despite them having roots in Brandon)and the extortion and kidnapping that went along side their business ventures.     Dunno - It''s great to get involved with activist groups and local community groups that are watching our neighborhoods but your comment about "squeezing" out a few drug dealers in your neighborhood in your day is crazy. Its one thing to scare a bottom of the ladder dealer that sells to keep himself high or some guy living in his moms basement selling weed but do more than inform the police without drawing attention to yourself whatsoever with some of the real crazy ass gang bangers or one of the quite scary dudes the BPS has recently busted and you could find your house is the one being shot up and thats a much more likely scenario that could endanger your child than them becoming involved with drug use.     Our drug policy in this country and in the U.S is a failed policy. Criminalizing drug use and drug dealing will have no effect on demand and will have a temporary at best effect on supply. read the academic papers on the subject or if that is to wordy for you hell download a ted talk on addiction or drug policy. Our approach to use punishment and drive the market underground is the reason why the recent fentanyl epidemic has taken so many lives.     Edited by chatzy717, 2017-02-01 13:42:00"

although i agree with 90per cent of what youre saying, your first paragraph outlining the reason 20 years ago as being the fault of the mc that was here although true in part was defintely not the only or main reason drugs were here. and its far beyond 20 years as well. the issue of mj and chemicals has been huge for decades but with social media and a lax society we hear more about it. i feel for anyone who has a loved one or themselves dealing with an addiction. completely agree more needs to be done mostly at home to stop it before it starts. but when you have parents and sometimes grandparents that do it freely its hard to justify saying no to your kids. the old saying do as i say not as i do would come in handy but with the lackluster of alot of parenting thats not feasible either. not sure where to start thats safe as we live in a society of selfishness and idgaf.

There is no easy solution but I commend you for doing something. A simple plan put into action is still better than the most thought out and researched plan collecting dust in a file room.  
 
However, from the perspective of the addict, you will seldom force someone to quit who isn't ready. Even addicts who want to stop using often have a very difficult time doing so. Addiction is often referred to as a "disease that denies itself." The addict's brain tells him/her that it will be different next time, that the consequences weren't that bad, that I don't really have a problem and can quit any time, that it'll be just one last time and I'll never use again. The average success rate of addicts in treatment centres staying clean is 3%.  
 
Some recovery groups claim a success rate of 75%, such as AA. "Of alcoholics who came to AA and REALLY TRIED, 50% got sober at once and remained that way: 25% sobered up after some relapses, and among the remainder, those who stayed on with A.A. showed improvement." All other 12 step recovery groups in the world are based off A.A. The key to any of them is that the person in recovery has to really try. Usually referred to as "hitting bottom" an addict sees no other way to live and accepts that they have a disease. Until they fully accept this and have the willingness to do anything to stay clean, they are likely to return to active addiction.  
 
My point is that an addict in active addiction will do anything to score that next hit or pill or bottle of booze. If they can't find it in Brandon they will find it in another community. The problem of addiction: policing it, providing medical care, offering support services to families, offering treatment to addicts, stopping the transport of drugs, educating our youth and communities, etc...it is an incredibly complicated and expensive solution. It involves what are known as organized complexities: you can't change one area without impacting the others. Ex. You increase police action to crack down on users. There is an increase in the city budget. There is a requirement for more beds in treatment or jail. More support workers need to be trained and hired. Everything is connected.  
 
Now, just because it's complicated and expensive doesn't mean we shouldn't care for those who suffer in our community. However, this isn't just an "as long as it's not in my back yard" problem. We can't simply run drug dealers out of town only to cause problems for our neighbours. This is a world problem. We can start at a grassroots level in our own neighbourhoods but we need to be organized and safe about it. The police should be involved when needed. Paramedics should be called when an addict is overdosing. We need a humanitarian approach to this problem but it needs to be firm, organized, and receive cooperation from many levels and organizations.

Our mayor and city councillors take any interest at all in the violence and drug use there can be no change. Can't blame the police, they seem to be stretched pretty thin with the bigger fish in town, so they can't possibly get all the smaller dealers around.  
 
Citizens need to get vocal, start inundating city hall and legislature mail rooms with complaints. Our mayor has already shrugged off the seriousness of last summers increase in crime, the east end representative has not been seen or heard from on the issue of crime and drugs IN HIS WARD, and I know from experience there are still drug dealers in the East End. Funny thing, there was a crack house four houses from us that was there before we moved in. We never knew it was there....it never caused issues, "clients" came and went with little or no noise, crime was pretty low. Since it is gone and another one began serving the area, I have had three very high or drunk people in the las month alone trying to gain access to my home and yard thinking they are at the right house to score. It has become a pretty scary place to live.  
 
So until those charged with the city's safety start paying more attention to the seriousness of drug use in the city, nothing will change. We need to call, write, text, whatever we can do to let them know resources need to be increased to fight drug addictions, and drug sales in the city. Enough pretty flowers, grass landscaping and paint jobs, we need a serious clean up in town first.