TRIMINGHAM CRITICISM PREDICTABLE

Criticism of the Drug Summit 2000 by Tony Trimingham (Letters, June 15) was
quite predictable as he regularly appears to have difficulties in accepting
views which differ from his.

There is no "sure cure" to beat addiction and every avenue must be tested to
endeavour to get addicts back to a normal lifestyle by tolerance and minimum
discomfort.

In this regard, is the provision of supervised injecting rooms really
helping the addict's recovery or will this be delayed by the addict
believing that drug usage is normal and acceptable to society. Funds to
establish the rooms would be better utilised to directly assist with
addicts' recovery.

Success of the present methadone program is queried. Also, it is regularly
abused by addicts using it as a "top up" to their heroin usage.

The vast majority of addicts started their problems by using the "gateway"
drug marijuana. While marijuana could be regarded as being "safe" because it
is not deadly like some other drugs, it does contain mind-altering
substances which cause health problems, unacceptable behaviour and trauma
for the family.

A real concern.

Provision of more detoxification and rehabilitation centres coupled with
education of the general public (including school-children) to help earlier
identify those with drug problems could lead to saving lives of some users.

B. Munro, Epping.