The disease of addiction kills many and affects millions
psychologically.

That's right, it is a disease. Most people are sympathetic to people
who suffer from cancer or diabetes but stick a person afflicted with
alcoholism in the middle of the room and we are ashamed of them.

I'm an addict and lost everything. Today I have been clean and sober
for more than four years.

The money the government puts out helped me. I have been gainfully
employed for three and a half years and I am responsible.

Addicts are just as sick as the next sick person, the only problem is
that it isn't a socially acceptable disease.

I sure hope you're not a smoker.

Denis Martel,
New Westminster