Pubdate: Mon, 14 Mar 2016
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2016 The New York Times Company
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Howard Josepher
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n134/a06.html

WHAT TO DO ABOUT HEROIN ADDICTION

To the Editor:

It's not easy to understand heroin addicts. They eschew replacement 
drugs like methadone and Suboxone that reduce sickness and cravings 
so they can shoot up and experience that momentary rush and ephemeral 
bliss. Many of them know that they are chasing that "first high," 
that first time that opened the door to heaven and hell.

Shooting up is an extraordinary experience, but as much as they try, 
addicts will not get that first high again. For these people, life 
holds little meaning or joy outside of getting high. Their addiction 
gives them a reason to exist, a focus and its rewards.

Many heroin addicts have found a way out by giving purpose to their 
lives. Helping others is a path we choose to walk. Great wisdom can 
be achieved by having lived on the dark side and then putting the 
madness behind us. I was once that junkie in the bathroom. Do not give up hope.

HOWARD JOSEPHER

New York

The writer is president and chief executive of Exponents, which 
serves people affected by drug addiction, incarceration and H.I.V.-AIDS.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom