Pubdate: Sat, 13 Jul 2002
Source: Tennessean, The (TN)
Copyright: 2002 The Tennessean
Contact:  http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Author: James S. Kennedy

HIGHER TAXES WON'T STOP THOSE WHO ARE ADDICTED

To the Editor:

As Tennessee increases ''sin'' taxes on tobacco and alcohol, many who say 
they will quit using these products will find that they cannot. Cigarettes 
could be $10 per pack, and they would still smoke. They are addicted, and 
the cost to the person and everyone around them is high.

Addictions are compulsive and/or avoidant behaviors associated with craving 
that are continued despite negative consequences. Addictions partially 
relieve or medicate inner psychological wounding of pain, insecurity and 
anger, usually formed in early childhood. To stop exposes the inner misery 
inside. To compensate, addicts switch excesses easily, like from tobacco to 
food, keeping their lives unmanageable.

Addicts are not bad people. They are wounded people with a bad disease. To 
get well, they need truth balanced with grace. No amount of will power can 
stop addiction for the addict is indeed powerless to stop on his/her own. 
They indeed need a power greater than themselves.

If Tennessee really wants to confront the true issue behind alcoholism, 
drugs, poverty and divorce, I suggest that the state learns about how 
addictions get started and how to confront the issue with truth balanced 
with grace.

James S. Kennedy

Nashville 37203
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