Pubdate: Mon, 17 Mar 2014
Source: Boston Herald (MA)
Copyright: 2014 The Boston Herald, Inc
Contact:  http://news.bostonherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/53
Author: Peter G. Whittemore
Page: 14

STARTS WITH SUGAR FIX

After considerable research as a kid, followed by years of sober
reflection, I've concluded that it's not marijuana but sugar that is
America's gateway drug ("Let's weed out idea that pot is not harmful,"
March 12). Adriana Cohen's column relies on ex-heroin addict and
former NBA player Chris Herren's argument that most addicts use
marijuana before heroin or other addictive drugs.

But I can guarantee that 100 percent of Americans were sugarfed and
sugar-dependent before they could even light a match. A Connecticut
College study last year found Oreos to be just as addictive as
cocaine. "Our research supports the theory that high-fat, high-sugar
foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do," said Joseph
Schroeder, a psychology professor. Sugar contributes to a range of
health problems. And certainly sugar started the ball rolling long
before marijuana.

- - Peter G. Whittemore, Cohasset
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MAP posted-by: Matt