Pubdate: Fri, 19 Mar 1999
Source: Dorset Evening Echo (UK)
Contact:  57 St Thomas St, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8EU
Fax: 01305 760387
Author: Mrs S Day

SATURATION POINT HAS BEEN REACHED

I would like to reply to Mrs. M Morrissey's letter about drugs education
('Are they dying of over-exposure?') in last Saturday's Echo.

The over-exposure we need to worry about is not the information, or
education, that has become our best defence - indeed, a necessity.

Our problem is over-exposure to drugs themselves.

Our country is at saturation point, and your work, however well-intentioned,
will not prevent the escalating drug abuse we have now.

Mr Hellawell and his teams's efforts may appeal to your generation - they
lay themselves open to ridicule when all illegal drugs are only looked at as
deadly and dangerous.

It is poverty that drives many souls to the back streets, but there are many
more drug takers to be found walking along the promenade with you.

It is prohibition that has been unsuccessful, not the efforts of the
educators.

Mrs S Day

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