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 - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom