ADDICTS CHOOSE DRUGS AND LAW-BREAKING

Luke Chess attributes to Sally Loane that equality under the law, with the
recognition of addiction solely as a medical condition, is clearly necessary.

Such a recognition would be against democratic laws because it excludes the
essential predisposing cause that individuals choosing to use illegal drug
have chosen to break the law prior to acquiring the medical condition, and
that it is not universally accepted that addiction is invariably a medical
condition.

Addiction can be presented as a defence, but a court doesn't automatically
accept it as such. I understand that in some jurisdictional areas being
under the influence of alcohol, let alone being addicted, is not accepted
as a defence.

A heavy drinker who injures someone in a car crash may or may not have a
medical condition relating to alcohol but if caught is subject to the law
and probably no compassion. But if he had recently lost his wife and/or
child the degree of compassion would be far greater.

The law can't extend compassion equally to all in all circumstances,
whether in relation to drugs or other issues.

Col Parrett, Kingston (ACT), November 28.