Pubdate: Fri, 20 May 2005
Source: Patriot Ledger, The  (MA)
Copyright: 2005 The Patriot Ledger
Contact:  http://ledger.southofboston.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1619
Author: Harriet Cadin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone)

Reader's View

BAN ON OXYCONTIN WOULD DEVASTATE PATIENTS

I am responding to the story in your paper regarding the U.S. Rep. Stephen 
Lynch and his proposal to ban the drug OxyContin. I am an oncology nurse in 
a large Boston hospital, and I shudder to think what will happen to our 
terminally ill population whose only escape from an existence of 
excruciating pain is by way of OxyContin. I think Lynch needs to do a 
little more research into the benefits of OxyContin before he takes such a 
firm stand to "ban" the drug. I appreciate the reasoning behind his position.

I grew up in South Boston and know some of the victims he speaks of and the 
addiction from which they suffer. Perhaps Lynch needs to look in another 
area of the city known as the Pine Street Inn. These unfortunate people are 
also victims of a devastating addiction. Perhaps he can use his clout in 
Congress to ban alcohol. Another addiction that is on the rise and 
destroying many of our young citizens is gambling.

Perhaps Lynch could also ban gambling, including the Lottery in 
Massachusetts and the casinos in Connecticut and Las Vegas. Texas Hold 'em 
has become the latest fad for teenagers, and I fear that many of them will 
be led down a very bad path in life because of this addiction. What about 
teenage girls who find the only relief from the pain of depression is to 
cut themselves? This also is a trend that's picking up momentum.

Should we request that Lynch use his influence to "ban" all household 
scissors? None of the previously stated addictions involve illegal 
substances, yet the addiction to them can have devastating effects.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman