Shortly after taking office, B.C. Premier David Eby revealed plans to open new involuntary care facilities in Surrey and Prince George. This announcement is partly a reaction to the growing demands of municipalities nationwide, who are desperate to act in response to public disorder and drug use. Those new facilities will include 100 treatment beds. The new beds will address the addiction crises that have decimated our neighborhoods.
The decision to create these facilities reflects the growing urgency among local governments to tackle the visible signs of addiction in their areas. Premier Eby underscored the need for new involuntary treatment options. These critical resources are particularly important for reaching the most vulnerable people who aren’t able to go look for help themselves.
Community Reactions
Local leaders have reacted with relief as well as anger and concern over the announcement. Surrey councillor Linda Annis described the initiative as merely “the tip of the iceberg” in addressing the pressing needs of the community. She clarified that most street disorder in Surrey is coming from people who are now entrenched on the streets. These amazing individuals deserve the best care and support possible.
“It’s not fair to the individuals, and it’s not fair to the businesses and residents that are enduring some of the negative activity as a result of this.” – Linda Annis
Council member Trudy Klassen supported adding the involuntary treatment beds. She cautioned that this measure be hailed as the panacea. Yet she emphasized that this is just the beginning. We need to do more to better address the public disorder associated with addiction.
“This is certainly not the end of what we need to do, but it is an excellent beginning.” – Trudy Klassen
Perspectives on Involuntary Treatment
Academics and advocates alike have criticized the effectiveness and morality of involuntary treatment. Kora DeBeck, a professor at Simon Fraser University, mentioned that mandatory treatment typically does not work. She explained that when people are incarcerated involuntarily, their tolerance to opiates decreases. This reduction increases the likelihood of fatal overdoses should they relapse.
“When we push them into an involuntary treatment setting, their tolerance for opiates goes down,” – Kora DeBeck
DJ Larkin from the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition is adamantly against involuntary care and asserts that it should be left to individual clinical decisions. He contends it shouldn’t be driven by political considerations. He adamantly stressed that the root cause of homelessness comes from structural problems based in government policy. He pretty much challenged whether we’re really being serious about addressing the public’s pain.
“Detaining someone against their will is not a response to public suffering.” – DJ Larkin
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
Worries that the government’s attention would go towards expanding involuntary care have fueled advocacy for expanding voluntary treatment options. Larkin suggested that enhancing the quality of voluntary care could provide drug users with effective support before they reach a crisis point. He stressed that increased access to treatment is not enough to address problems associated with public drug use.
DeBeck agreed, calling for safer supply programs and providing non-toxic drugs as part of a more comprehensive approach. Both scholars pointed out that better treatment conditions are needed for sustainable, long-lasting solutions.
Nowhere is the sense of excitement shared by local leaders more apparent than with the announcement of new facilities. They understand that solving addiction requires a comprehensive solution, going beyond even mandatory treatment. Many hope that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for more comprehensive reforms in addiction treatment across British Columbia.
