RECKLESS PATH ON DRUG ADDICTION

THE ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS national convention held in Canberra over Easter
(CT, April 22, p.3) is a timely reminder of the reckless path that our
Government is pursuing on drug addiction. Each year many hundreds of young
Australians kill themselves as a result of alcohol abuse. Like heroin
abusers, they do not intend to take their own lives, but they decide to
drive recklessly whilst affected by alcohol, and pay the ultimate penalty.
Why not alcohol-consumption rooms with high-speed driving simulators for
people who are tempted to reckless driving acts whilst affected by alcohol?
Don't they already exist in numerous bars? AA has proven over generations
what constitutes a successful approach to drug addiction. This relies on
sharing, spiritual resource and abstinence. Because heroin use is
life-threatening, deaths will result. However, it defies all logic that an
institution which actively collaborates in heroin use can in any way foster
resort to rehabilitation. On the contrary, its very existence undermines the
genuine avoidance and rehabilitation programs.

J. L. Smith
Farrer