Pubdate: November 26, 1999 Source: Comox Valley Record (CN BC) Copyright: 1999 Comox Valley Record Fax: 250-338-5568 Author: Parent of user/abuser in recovery LEGALIZATION NOT THE ANSWER Sir, I have studied other countries that have legalized dope (narcotics) and they have measured amounts of success, but no more than our present methadone program has had and in some terms less success as the real thing is more addictive. Our root cause for addiction is availability. Most people turning into a dope are uneducated as to how instant this can happen. Do we want a large part of our society under 50 walking around in a fog. We have enough unemployed or wanting to be now. Legalization would only make being a dope OK. Granted, we would get rid of our dope dealers but we would still have the high crime problem we have now as people would abuse their right as they would be more addicted. The more consumed, the greater the addiction. Our major problem is cocaine which is traded for our superior marijuana. Most experimenters are nine to 23 who usually start with cigarettes and marijuana and then coke and later heroin as it is cheaper. Melnuk put your idea into votes as you previously have never had a drug problem or know anyone that has been a user or you wouldn't advocate anyone be one legal or illegal. Parent of user/abuser in recovery. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D