Letters

'HARM REDUCTION' IS DECEPTIVE

To the Editor:

The article "For Partygoers Who Can't Say No, Experts Try to Reduce the
Risks" (Sept. 25) gives undue credence to a deceptive line of thinking.
While the headline suggests that people are powerless to reject Ecstasy and
other illegal drugs, we believe that as individuals are educated on the
short- and long-term dangers associated with Ecstasy, saying no will be a
much simpler decision.

"Harm reduction" is a political movement, not sound policy based on
science. Far from reducing harm, its advocates promote policies that lead
to increased usage rates and a false sense of security for Ecstasy users.

Research, not rhetoric, should be used to educate potential drug users.
So-called harm reduction programs only obfuscate the truth: Ecstasy has
been proven to cause long-term brain damage resulting in memory loss,
depression, paranoia and confusion.

At best, harm reduction is an approach that concedes drug abuse prevention
is impossible. Pretending harmful activity will be reduced if it is
passively condoned is irresponsible.

Increasing help for those dependent on drugs is better than decreasing harm.

Edward H. Jurith
Washington