Pubdate: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (NY) Copyright: 2001 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Contact: http://www.mapinc.org/media/614 Website: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/ Author: Daniel G Renkas MEDICAL HELP NEEDED FOR ADDICTED INMATES I applaud and support Monroe County Legislature Minority Leader H. Todd Ballard in questioning the ability of New York state correctional facilities to properly treat an individual suffering from withdrawal, given the death of Candace Brown. Our criminal justice system is unqualified and incapable of administering the therapy necessary to help substance abusers cope with the pangs of withdrawal, and it is absurd to think it can. Substance abuse is a public health problem, not a criminal justice problem. If addicts are to be successfully reintegrated into society, it is imperative that trained medical professionals, not prison wardens, play the larger role in their recovery. Daniel G Renkas Jr, Henrietta - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake