VICTIMS OF DRUG ABUSE

THE Dec. 4 Opinion section contained two articles dealing with
addiction. Both stated that the only victim of drug abuse is the
abuser. That is untrue.

Most illegal drugs come either illegally across our borders or are
made illegally within this country. They are illegally transported
and sold. Turf wars are fought over the right to support these
abusers. The abusers, once their own resources are exhausted, resort
to activities to support their habit that create many victims.

Since addiction is a recognized disability, the abuser gets benefits
in the form of health care, food and assistance, making everyone a
victim. Their family and friends are constantly victimized by these
individuals' constant ``plans to change their ways.''

The substances do not make the abuser an addict. The user's genetics,
lifestyle and choices make the user an addict.

My suggestion to Joanne Jacobs, who wrote one of the articles is
this: The next time you find yourself in an emergency room waiting
area and must wait longer to be seen due to a drug overdose or a
drug-induced seizure, don't think of yourself as a victim but rather
a member of the abusers support system.

Scott Crawford
San Jose