Pubdate: Fri, 25 Aug 2006 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1116/a02.html Author: David Atkinson MATTER OF CHOICE I agree drug addiction is a medical problem, not a criminal one. However, it is a self-inflicted medical problem. Mike Williams states that "people don't choose to become drug addicts, just like people don't choose to get cancer." People don't choose to get cancer. Cancer often just suddenly appears. People have no way of knowing if or when they will develop cancer. Even if they do everything they can to reduce the risks, they may still develop cancer. Yes, people do choose to become drug addicts. They do have a choice. Drug addiction does not just suddenly develop or appear. You choose to use drugs or you choose not to. People know the risks that drug use and abuse may lead to addiction. If they still choose to use drugs, then they must accept responsibility for their actions. You are where you are because of the choices you make, so choose wisely. David Atkinson, Surrey - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman