Pubdate: Mon, 09 May 2016 Source: West Australian (Australia) Copyright: 2016 West Australian Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.thewest.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495 Author: John Kilkenny Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n314/a13.html ADDICTS ARE 'ILL' A positive approach to the pandemic in drug use is necessary to control its distribution and usage. First, decriminalise drugs and place them under government control, like alcohol and tobacco, and eliminate the criminals who profit from usage. Second, treat drug use as an illness, like alcoholism and gambling. Drug users don't begin as criminals, they become so to support the habit (illness). The only winners are individuals and legitimate companies that profit from this scourge. John Kilkenny, Brentwood - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom