Pubdate: Mon, 05 May 2003 Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329 Author: Vic Blake Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n634/a08.html TELL THE WHOLE STORY I am an addict with continuous successful recovery in two fellowships spanning over 24 years now. I have been active in helping others to overcome their addictions during those years which may have given me some insight into this topic. Philippe Lucas' generalization ("Letters to the Editor," May 1) could cause needless suffering and further deaths among the addictive population. Of those who use both legal and illegal mind-altering drugs, a full 10% will succumb to full-blown addiction to their drug of choice. These unfortunates have but four alternatives as addiction is a downwardly progressive disease -- jails, institutions, death or absolute abstinence and recovery. As to marijuana, I am reminded of a close friend who entered treatment over 15 years ago in Dublin, N.H., who had transferred his addiction from his drug of choice, alcohol, to marijuana. On admission his weight was 130 lbs., down from 210 lbs., his normal weight. On our auto trip from Ottawa to New Hampshire, we stopped 18 times to allow him to use. His paranoia was such that over one week elapsed before he could mingle with others at the facility hospital. Happily, treatment was successful and he lived drug-free for another 16 years till he died at age 61 of heart disease caused by damage done during his active years. Please Mr. Lucas, and other proponents of the legalization of marijuana: Tell the whole story! Vic Blake Gloucester (We'll take a wild guess that they'll blame the booze) - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake