Pubdate: Thu, 06 Mar 2014
Source: Washington Post (DC)
Copyright: 2014 The Washington Post Company
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/mUgeOPdZ
Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/491
Author: Janis W. Gold
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n215/a01.html

THE TOLL OF HEROIN ABUSE

Regarding Kristine Lessard's March 2 Local Opinions commentary, "This 
addiction doesn't follow any rules":

It is a gift to all parents that Ms. Lessard was able to pen the 
story of her son Derek's life and heroin overdose. Many parents may 
believe that their child's marijuana experimentation is harmless and 
is perhaps even part of normal social development. They may also 
believe that, because they have provided so much to their children in 
terms of academic, social, recreational and material opportunities, 
this experimentation cannot possibly progress to heroin. Both of 
these beliefs are wrong. Also, in their desire to foster appropriate 
independence, they may miss the need for firmer intervention. I am 
grateful to Ms. Lessard for sharing Derek's story as she grieves.

Janis W. Gold, McLean
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom