Pubdate: Wed, 06 Dec 2006
Source: Rutland Herald (VT)
Copyright: 2006 Rutland Herald
Contact:  http://www.rutlandherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/892
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1637/a08.html
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1648/a05.html
Author: Rita Phelps

VERMONT WOULD BECOME ENABLER

It is the most rapidly acting and most abused of all opiates.
Typically a heroin abuser may inject up to four times a day. The
younger you are when you become addicted to heroin, the harder it is
to stay clean for the rest of your life. Most new users of heroin are
under the age of 26. Chronic users can develop collapsed veins,
infections of the heart lining and valves, and liver disease. After
about a week of vomiting, cold sweats, involuntary leg movements, and
excruciating bone and muscle pain and delusions and diarrhea you may
be able to quit using for a while. Sudden withdrawal by heavily
dependent users who are in poor health can be fatal.

The addict doesn't necessarily have the same reality about their drug
addiction that non-addicts might. He or she may have serious health
problems, no friends, no job or income, have lost their children, and
yet feel like they are doing OK. With that in mind, the addict from
time to time will encounter added pressure which forces them to make
an actual decision about whether to seek help or continue use. Pending
legal charges that could easily lead to long jail sentences is a very
plausible situation where the addict has enough pressure to seek help,
and begin to fight their addiction.

If Vermont legalizes drugs it will become the ultimate enabling body
in our nation. Not only will we succumb to an overflow of addicts from
around the United States, Vermont will increase their numbers. Can you
imagine that, Mr. Sands?

Rita Phelps

Brandon
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake