Pubdate: Wed, 14 Feb 2007
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2007 The StarPhoenix
Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Moe Brondum

FRANK DISCUSSION ON DRUG USE NEEDED TO PREVENT REAL HARM

The use of a drug is not an indication of addiction any more than a 
glass of wine with supper indicates alcoholism.

It is the behaviour of the individual while using a particular drug 
that determines whether the term addiction should be applied or not. 
In the discussion of the James Hayward murder, it's useful to keep in 
mind that many morphine users lead normal and successful lives.

Some examples of successful morphine users include Sigmund Freud, 
Alexander Graham Bell and Elvis Presley. We will never know if 
Hayward one day might have been included in this list.

We are so misinformed about drugs and drug use that we don't know 
where the propaganda ends and our own biases begin. Honest and 
informed discussion is needed to help reduce the damage caused by 
drugs and drug prohibition to our children and our communities.

Moe Brondum

North Battleford
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