PROMINENT PEOPLE OUT OF TOUCH ON HEROIN

IN what can only be a stunning manipulation of public opinion, the open
letter to all Victorians from nine prominent Australians (Herald Sun, July
24) continues to promote the introduction of injecting facilities by
stealth.

An injecting facility does nothing to solve the problem of drug dealers,
drug-related crime or the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

It is a Band-Aid measure intended to cover up problems while doing little to
resolve them. People will still die of drug overdose.

Drug addiction, like addiction to alcohol or gambling, is a disease.

An integrated approach, which includes a supply of illicit drugs on
prescription, registration of drug addicts and provision of detoxification
and drug rehabilitation, must be provided.

This is more likely to put drug dealers out of business and provide real
hope for drug addicts and their families.

Ashley Alp, Katamatite