Pubdate: Wed, 09 Oct 2002
Source: Hendersonville Star News, The (TN)
Copyright: 2002 The Hendersonville Star News
Contact:  http://www.hendersonvillestarnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1666
Author: K. Kendrick

FIGHTING ADDICTIONS TAKES MONEY, EFFORT

This letter is in response to Pastor Eddie Hodges letter of October 2, 
2002. He states, "The solution to this problem (drinking and drugs) is real 
simple - Just Say No!" The solution to this problem is not "real simple." 
Alcoholism and drug addiction are illnesses, and an addict cannot simply 
quit, as Pastor Hodges suggests.

It takes a whole lot of effort and a whole lot of money to beat these 
addictions. Does Pastor Hodges believe that addicts enjoy losing their 
families, jobs, and homes?

Does he think they're having fun? You would not tell a person who has 
cancer to just "quit" having cancer.

It must be treated. Also, the criminal justice system does not help. The 
amount of public money spent charging, trying, and incarcerating these 
addicts would be much better spent on education and rehabilitation. Our 
prisons are full of people who, aside from their addictions, are 
law-abiding family oriented citizens.

These people will come out of prison or jail in much worse shape than they 
went in. To say that "Jesus Christ can help you overcome drugs" is silly.

Good Christians are addicts as well. Maybe if Jesus Christ can lead the way 
to a good rehabiltation center and pay the bill, then we can credit Him 
with overcoming addiction. Until then, we should offer support (both moral 
and financial) to those in need of intervention.

K. Kendrick

Former Hendersonville resident Murfreesboro
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