WE NEVER HEAR OF DEATH BY UNDERDOSE

I am all for curbing abuse of controlled drugs (editorial, Sept. 26,
Curbing abuse). We hear about drug overdose deaths all the time, but what
we do not hear about are the deaths by underdose. As fears about the abuse
of a powerful and effective painkiller, OxyContin, spread across the
nation, many states are restricting access to a drug that is a life saver
to those in chronic pain.

It is the legitimate users that suffer as a result. The same can be said of
most narcotic pain relievers. Just try to get a strong painkiller from your
doctor for any type of chronic pain. Their fear of the DEA often prevents
the adequate treatment of pain.

Instead, our lawmakers talk about "palliative" care only for the terminally
ill - care that can only be administered in a hospital. Personally, I have
no desire to spend my life savings on medical bills or to die in a
hospital. When the pain becomes too great and can no longer be controlled
by prescriptions my doctor will provide, I will find a way to quickly and
permanently end the pain. I doubt that my death will be ruled as a drug
underdose.

Steve Helms
Southlake, Texas