Except a lot of people in Vancouver, perhaps the majority, feel that too much is already spent on this problem and in fact only makes it worse. You don't see a lot of comments of concern for these people on these threads do you? That says it all doesn't it?
Treatment programs are definitely a great option. Unfortunately, I don't think much money is spent on them at all. Most is spent on enabling drug use. The illicit drug lobby in Vancouver, VANDU, is quite strong. They convince council and the police all the time that this kind of drug use is somehow normal and should be supported and paid for by others, as well as tolerating all the anti-social behaviour and crime that goes along with it. Many of us have had enough of that false and self-serving rhetoric, that just helps drug cartels and gangs make more money, while further victimizing DTES residents. There are different ways of caring. Sometimes saying NO is the best way.