Pubdate: Mon, 08 May 2006 Source: South Bend Tribune (IN) Copyright: 2006 South Bend Tribune Contact: http://www.southbendtribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/621 Author: Joseph Talboom ADDICTIONS A SCOURGE ON A HEALTHY SOCIETY A major epidemic is occurring worldwide and in Michiana more and more. It does not discriminate. Whether you are young, old, male or female, no matter what race, religion or where you reside, it's the root of most crime and violence and ruins families and futures. It is a disease called addiction. The solution is for the afflicted to participate in recovery programs. Where there's a demand, there's a supply. The more addicts in recovery, the less the demand, supply and crime. Addiction not only eventually kills the addict, but has many indirect, negative repercussions to all the addict touches. I suggest we support the suffering addicts and encourage them to attend recovery programs. I have seen them truly work. South Bend Police Cpl. Scott Severns' job was doing something to stop the use of drugs. He was a great man I had met and his death was a saddening loss.Many addicts finding recovery and changing into productive residents would help put a dent in the Michiana (and world's) criminal activity. Joseph Talboom South Bend - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman