Pubdate: Sun, 29 Mar 2015
Source: Baltimore Sun (MD)
Copyright: 2015 The Baltimore Sun Company
Contact:  http://www.baltimoresun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/37
Author: Tom Holmes

ADDICTION IS AN ILLNESS

Drug and alcohol addiction is a sad but increasingly commonplace 
story ("Baltimore County family struggles with impact of heroin's 
grip," March 21).

For a long time I believed addiction was simply a problem of a lack 
of willpower on the user's part. I thought it resulted from poor 
judgment and personal character flaws.

But as I became aware of the nefarious nature of addiction, I 
realized it is not a moral issue but truly an illness. I am praying 
for the family mentioned in your article, and for all others who are 
struggling with addiction.

Tom Holmes, Lutherville
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