DRUG ABUSE PRIMER

As an emergency nurse in Washington County, I was horrified to read
your first installment about the drug abuse problem in this area. Is
there a problem? Absolutely. Is it getting worse? No question.

I see the results of this abuse routinely and I know how wide-spread
it is. To bring attention to the problem is important, however, your
article read as a primer for those who may not yet have got involved
with this unfortunate condition. For those in the audience who were
not able to follow along by reading, you so very thoughtfully provided
pictures. Responsible journalism? I think not.

Changes need to be made; from the physicians who write the
prescriptions, to the pharmacies that fill the prescriptions, to the
people who abuse the medication. Treatment programs, financial aid and
better followup are needed and should be encouraged. It would seem
your article provided a lot of madness but very little method. If the
young people in this area had any questions as to how to abuse drugs
intravenously, I am afraid you gave them all the needed answers. Shame
on you.

L. Birmingham, R.N.
East Machias