Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: D.V. Brodeur Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n091/a01.html IT'S A CHOICE, NOT AN ILLNESS Re: "Drug dealers thrive despite added heat," Jan. 20. The only illness I am at risk of contracting is my being sick if I have to read one more time about drug abuse being an illness. Did the alcohol sneak into someone's system through a handshake? Did the heroin jump off the street into someone's vein? If a person is addicted it is because they made a big mistake by starting the use of a drug. It is impossible for anyone in this educated society to use drugs without being aware of the possible consequences. Most people take responsibility for their mistakes and don't call it an "illness." Why should drug abusers be any different? Say you made a mistake and need help, but don't say you are ill. D.V. Brodeur, Victoria. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager