The debate over the proposed relocation of Arcadia House, Canberra's long-running, respected alcohol and other drug rehabilitation service, from its ageing Bruce facility to a site in Cook has been undeniably fractious.

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While concerns that have been publicly aired by some Cook residents about safety, proximity to children's facilities, and loss of green space are valid and deserve a considered response, concerns that are based on stigma and misinformation should be challenged.

Arcadia House is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic community that has operated safely for decades and supported countless ordinary Canberrans to achieve their health goals in relation to alcohol and drug use. The service operates 24/7 under the supervision of qualified health professionals from Directions Health, one of Canberra's longest-running alcohol and drug treatment services.

The residents of Arcadia House are everyday Canberrans who are actively working towards improving their health, participating in intensive therapeutic programs, and rebuilding their lives.

They are our neighbours, colleagues, friends and family members who are courageously seeking help for a health condition that impacts hundreds of thousands of Australians every year. To frame them as a threat........

© Canberra Times