Pubdate: Tue, 01 Jun 2010 Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2010 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd Contact: http://www.insidehalton.com/community/milton Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503 Author: Alan Herring DRUG ADDICT'S STORY NEEDED TO BE TOLD Dear Editor: I'd like to thank the Champion for its recent article entitled 'Held hostage by drugs.' I've been volunteering at Maplehurst Correctional Centre for more than 15 years. I can say with experience that a predominant problem among inmates is indeed drugs - whether it be the production and sale of or the addiction to them - and in particular marijuana. There was a period when there was a recognition among inmates that marijuana was at least a contributor to their problems, but it seems that view is changing. I would blame this on the move to legalize marijuana and the lowered penalties for possession and production. This is a growing problem, and the only way to counter it is to get the truth out, which the Champion has done so well with its article and addict-turned-anti-drug-advocate Paul Christie has devoted his life to. God bless Mr. Christie and his new goals. And again thanks for the article. Alan Herring Milton - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom