I am writing in response to the February 5 guest editorial entitled, "Drug abuse is deadly" and the February 6 column by Penny Weaver entitled, "Drugs are bad-how complicated is that, anyway?"

I found the guest editorial to be somewhat empathetic and I applaud their understanding that many addicts die every day whether it's from an overdose or poor health because of their drug use.

It's important to remember that while the faces of celebrities are familiar and their talents appreciated, the vast majority of addicts won't be remembered for their talent, but only for the way they died. They are labeled and disregarded as the trash of society.

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