Pubdate: Tue, 29 Jul 2008
Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (NY)
Copyright: 2008 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.democratandchronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/614
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

SMOKING BAN MAKES SENSE

Tobacco Has No Place in Addiction Treatment Centers in New York

In dealing with addictive behaviors, it's important, among other 
things, to be consistent. Giving an alcoholic a beer on the theory 
that it's less potent and less dangerous is, to an addict, a license 
to drink anything. The same goes for illegal drugs.

And the same applies to nicotine, among the most addictive of all 
substances. If the goal in treatment is to get to the core of this 
kind of compulsive behavior, then it makes no sense to allow smoking 
in treatment centers.

New state regulations banning tobacco use in all public and private 
recovery centers send the appropriate message: To tolerate smoking is 
to tolerate poor health and serious addiction.

It is self-defeating to attack one disorder while allowing another of 
a similar ilk.

Opponents of the new rule, the toughest of its kind in the country, 
say it will keep addicts away from help.

But to help on the one hand and to look the other way on the other 
clouds the mission of these recovery centers.

Fuzziness of purpose isn't something recovering alcoholics or drug 
users -- or staffers exposed to secondhand smoke -- need.

Moreover, smokers coming to treatment won't be made to go cold 
turkey. Nicotine replacements will be available and the state will 
help fund smoking cessation programs.

In the end, those in recovery will hear what they need to hear: 
Addiction is the target, and tobacco more than qualifies. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake