Skip to content

LETTER: Worried in Squamish

Editor’s note: The Chief has a strict policy of only publishing letters with real names attached, but in this case we are making an exception and withholding the name because this issue is important and we need to protect the individuals mentioned.

 


Editor’s note: The Chief has a strict policy of only publishing letters with real names attached, but in this case we are making an exception and withholding the name because this issue is important and we need to protect the individuals mentioned.

I am writing you as a concerned citizen of Squamish in the hope that you will continue to publish stories and raise awareness about the deaths from bad drugs of approximately seven people in Squamish in the last two weeks.

I personally knew two of them. My dear friend’s brother passed away last week. His mom has been a pillar of this community and their family is shattered by his death.

The second was my neighbour. He died last night alone in his room. This was not your “typical drug addict.” He was so much more to others — a son and friend.

Our homes are in a nice family neighbourhood.

I have had my own experience with addiction and overdose. I am an executive and parent. By all accounts, no one would know I had struggled with addiction. Shame is the biggest predictor of a relapse. Unfortunately, the majority of doctors and staff are not familiar with addiction. You are treated with disdain and that it is a moral failing and it was your choice to do this. Given treatment to stabilize and sent out the door with shaking heads and whispers behind your back. I cry when I think of my neighbour possibly feeling this way when he returned home. The shame almost did me in, but I was lucky to have a support system in place and know that if I let shame take over, I would not be here for my children today. Others are not so lucky. Alone and perhaps too embarrassed to ask for help, he and others died alone and lives have been shattered.

I hope the police continue their investigation and find these dealers who have essentially committed murder — selling tainted drugs to addicts. I hope The Squamish Chief continues to shed light on the deaths of these people who have been taken too soon from our community and families left to grieve such a tremendous loss. To shed light on addiction affecting all types of people in the community and the need for compassion and support rather than judgment. Everybody deserves our help. Squamish is home and we look out for one another.

A proud Squamish resident

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks