"Through a Blue Lens"...Could this be you???

 

                                    

The Downtown Eastside of Vancouver is a place that I have never seen before. The video "Through a Blue Lens" depicts the lives of individuals who have become addicted to drugs. Most of the individuals shown in the video lives on the streets, in rooming houses or single occupancy. The area is run down, trashed with used needles and has crime occurring on a regular basis. There are signs of drug deals occurring in the middle of the day. The cops in the video points out that they have become more understanding and accepting of this type of behavior from the time they entered law enforcement to many years later. They have realized that they are "like a blue tide," moving through the lanes and alley ways flushing out addicts, who go right back five minutes later. The police actions are like ocean tides because they constantly go into this part of town and try to help these individuals but the end up seeing the same person there every time. It is their job and duty to try to help in what ever way possible. These people are plagued by a disease called addiction. There is no one cure to this disease, it is solely up to the individual to personally want to get help and go through the pain of letting go of their addiction.  

                                    
Most of the addicts in the video when asked, say that they want to quit and become clean. Many have tried and have been to treatment centers, but have not lasted. Their addiction got the best of them. If I were to become the police chief in the Downtown Eastside I would try to provide counseling  and one on one plans for those who truly want to get better and turn their lives around. I would also provide workshops to educate and inspire them to fight and beat their addiction. I think that these addicts need a meal plan and temporary shelter to get food so that they are not on the streets begging.  I would also try to get rid of the drug dealers who provide these individuals with these harmful drugs. I think that it is also important to provide a medical program that responds to these addicts when they are having harsh symptoms and side effects of using these drugs.  I think that these individuals need to be surrounded by others who genuinely care about their well being. It is our duty to help!!!