ADDICTION IS A DISEASE

We need to make an example of Darryl Strawberry. An example of what a
devastating disease addiction is. We need to make people understand that
"offenders" are not purposely ruining their lives and those of their families.

If punishment alone could stop addiction, our country would have been free
of this scourge a long time ago. It takes treatment and rehab, as many
times as necessary -- for few are able to stay clean after one or maybe
even several efforts.

We, as a nation, have to come to grips with the notion that this is a
disease and must be treated as such. Relapses and remissions will occur as
in any chronic disease. Punishment may make us feel like we are doing
something, but without long-term treatment, it is a very expensive
"feel-good" exercise in futility and failure.

My heart goes out to Darryl Strawberry and those who love him. Maybe by
seeing him and other celebrities battle this terrible disease it will bring
in front of us how difficult this is and that there are no easy, quick answers.