Pubdate: Tue, 04 Nov 2003
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2003 Richmond Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365
Author: Charles Hanna

RUSH'S HABIT ISN'T DIFFERENT

Editor, Times-Dispatch: I have read the letters that seem to place the 
emphasis of Rush Limbaugh's problems on liberal ideals vs. conservative 
ideals. They describe his problem with OxyContin as different from an 
individual who is addicted to cocaine or heroin. This is a common 
misconception.

Limbaugh is addicted to a narcotic that is three times stronger than 
heroin. Heroin is the worst drug on the street. Heroin has destroyed 
families, jobs, and lives. People addicted to heroin, OxyContin, or 
methadone are all fighting the same fight. I, along with many of my 
co-workers in metro Richmond, have fought the war on the street and truly 
understand there is no difference.

Just like Rush, a person who is addicted to heroin can look as if he is 
leading a perfectly normal life - as long as he has the money to support 
his habit (which Rush did). People addicted to heroin or OxyContin try to 
get their fix on a regular schedule. They make sure they are around to meet 
their "man" before most of us are out of the bed and on the way to work. 
They get their next hit around lunch, another prior to dinner, and another 
prior to bed. They can maintain their daily routines as long as they have 
the drug in their system.

These individuals usually don't look or ask for help until they are 
confronted by their problem. In Rush's case, that was when he realized he 
was being investigated by law enforcement. Those who don't have the money 
Rush had need to resort to other ways of supporting their habit. I'm sorry 
to say that Rush Limbaugh is as big a "junkie," if not bigger than, as any 
person we see on the street scratching for his next "egg" of heroin.

Charles Hanna.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart