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. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart