Pubdate: Thu, 30 Jun 2005
Source: Day, The (CT)
Copyright: 2005 The Day Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.theday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)
Note: Excerpted from column including non-drug policy related letter
Hawk-real-email: SEX WITH DRUG ADDICT IS LIKELY TO LEAD TO DISEASE

DEAR ABBY: I just read your response to "Nameless in a Red State," 
who asked if she could become addicted to drugs by having sex with an addict.

You were correct to point out that it's important she stay away from 
people who are addicted to drugs if she wants to stay clean. I work 
in a methadone clinic. My clients know they have to be careful who 
their friends are. It is very easy to start using drugs again while 
in treatment if you're spending time around people who are using.

I was, however, disappointed that you didn't mention that having sex 
with a drug addict is a recipe for getting AIDS and many other 
sexually transmitted diseases. (I call it the gift that keeps on 
giving.) People must remember that when they have unprotected sex 
with someone, they are also having sex with everyone that person has 
had sex with. Latex condoms are the best defense against sexually 
transmitted diseases.

- -- R.N. IN BLUE NEW JERSEY

DEAR R.N.: I'm sorry you were disappointed that my answer didn't go 
far enough; however, the woman's question was, "Can I become addicted 
to drugs by having sex with an addict?" I answered her question 
factually and specifically.

I also heard from a physician who felt I should have elaborated 
further. Read on:

DEAR ABBY: In your reply to the writer, you failed to mention the 
most dangerous complications of such behavior, infection with 
potentially fatal diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or AIDS. 
There is a high incidence of these diseases among drug addicts 
because of the sharing of contaminated needles, and they can also be 
transmitted through sexual relations.

- -- ALEXANDER N. ZINN, M.D., WINNETKA, CALIF.

DEAR DR. ZINN: Your letter makes me wonder how many lives could be 
saved if clean-needle exchange programs were available in every city. 
Thank you for clarifying my answer.
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MAP posted-by: Beth