DRUG ABUSE

Sir,
Chris Nichol (May 23) is correct in bringing to our attention the
need for caregiver responsibility in the upbringing of our young
people. Tragic consequences such as solvent abuse are a result of a
failure to do so.

The Top of the South Alcohol and Drug Association seminar/hui held
here in Nelson suggests the burden of responsibility needs to be taken
up by many more groups and bodies in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It is
rightly asserted that community and sports groups have a share in that
same responsibility.

The group of solvents used as narcotics is particularly debilitating
on the body, damaging lungs and brain tissue. The physical
side-effects are repulsive: rectal bleeding, asthma, acute headaches,
constant solvent stench.

I would love to remove the bag from underneath the nose of a user.
Solvents suck.

BRADEN FA'AVAE
Nelson
May 25, 2000