Pubdate: Mon, 24 Jul 2000
Source: West Australian (Australia)
Copyright: 2000 West Australian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  +61 8 94823830
Website: http://thewest.com.au/redirect.shtml
Author: L. Bourke
Note: Headline supplied by newshawk

REHAB NOT INJECTING ROOMS

I AM sure there would be very few people who disagree that dependence on
heroin is an addiction, an illness, albeit seif-inflicted. However, when are
we going to start expecting people to take responsibility for their own
actions and behaviour?

Instead of pouring so much energy into the debate on free heroin trials and
safe injecting rooms (moves that will only make it easier for these people
to continue down a path of self-destruction), let's put that energy into
rehabilitation.

Even these addicts must have moments when they come back to earth and can
take a good hard look at their lives. It is at this time that they can make
the decision to better their lives. We are all capable of change if we want
it bad enough.

L. BOURKE, Alexander Heights
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