Pubdate: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI) Copyright: 2003 Honolulu Star-Bulletin Contact: http://www.starbulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196 Author: James V. Hall Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1324/a08.html Note: To read about the "ice epidemic" in Hawaii, go to http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Hawaii . ADDICTION IS A DISEASE, NOT A MORAL ISSUE I seldom read a Gathering Place that I totally disagree with, but you published one by Richard O. Rowland ("'Ice' use is a decision, not a curable disease," Aug. 28) that fills the bill. I have written about and researched crystal meth for more than six years. I've talked and listened to hundreds of ice addicts in recovery. I've contacted professionals all over the nation to get their opinions and advice. I'm not a professional in the field myself, but allow me to quote from Kevin Kunz, whose guest column appeared in the Star-Bulletin on Feb. 27, 1999. Kunz, a physician at Kona Community Hospital, is a specialist in addiction treatment. He shared with Star-Bulletin readers the lessons he had learned: *- Addiction is a disease of the brain. It is not a crime, not a lack of will, not a moral issue. *- Treatment for drug addiction works. *- Use of the criminal justice system and interdiction to reduce illegal drugs and their harm is misguided and inadequate. *- Substance abuse must be treated like any other disease by Hawaii's health-care providers and insurance companies. James V. Hall Honolulu - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk