Regarding "Drug abuse rises as presidential campaign issue" (Dec. 26): Alcohol and tobacco have America, and the rest of the world, in an addictive grip that cannot change.

It's the money. For one thing, we promote those drugs constantly in our life, every day, all day, morning noon and night. You cannot read a book, watch TV, go to a movie, read a magazine - your senses are under assault 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Try going a day making an effort to notice every time your senses become aware of these drugs and how this happens. No wonder it is so difficult to quit using these drugs.

C.J. Anderson

Del Mar

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