DRUG USE IS A CHOICE

To the Editor:

A Dec. 27 letter about OxyContin abuse says that "it is up to drug
treatment and prevention specialists, doctors, law enforcement and
pharmaceutical companies" to ensure that drugs "are safely used, not
abused."

Conspicuous by its absence on this list of parties to be held
responsible is the user himself.

Are treatment and prevention specialists, doctors, law enforcement and
pharmaceutical companies responsible for the consequences of the abuse
of sugar by diabetics? Of butter by those with high cholesterol?

Until we recognize that it is the user who is responsible for the
consequences of his actions, and not the rest of us, we are doomed to
certain failure.

ALICE D. MICHTOM, M.D.,
Ithaca, N.Y., Dec. 27, 2001