I’m Scared for My Friends

I saw the Care Without Coercion campaign on Instagram shared by a friend of a friend. I almost clicked past, but the words “involuntary treatment” stopped me cold. I didn’t even know Alberta was trying to pass something like this. The more I read, the more I felt angry, betrayed and scared. 

I’m not in the harm reduction world full-time, but I’ve volunteered on outreach a few times. Handed out supplies, chatted with folks, tried to make sure people had what they needed to stay safe. I also used drugs recreationally, the usual party stuff. Nothing wild, nothing I’ve ever felt the need to hide or apologize for. 

But this law? It’s terrifying. Not so much for me, but for some of my friends who use more regularly. Some are going through rougher stuff. This law makes me worry they could be picked up and forced into treatment just because someone else decides they “need help.” 

Last year at a party, one of those friends overdosed. It was quiet, no drama, until it suddenly wasn’t. Thank god someone there had naloxone. We used it. We stayed calm. We kept him alive. That kit made the difference. Not police. Not a forced detox bed. A kit and a group of people who gave a shit. 

This law doesn’t feel like care. It feels like the government is trying to decide who’s worthy of making choices and who isn’t. And honestly? It feels like people who use drugs, casually, actively, whatever, however, are being treated like problems instead of the fact that we have an unregulated and poisoned supply and not enough support. 

I don’t think someone should have to hit rock bottom to deserve help. But I also don’t think help should come with handcuffs. People need housing, connection, safe supply, and space to make decisions about their own lives. This law takes all of that away and calls it compassion. 

M. B.