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.

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