DRUG LAPSE AND RELAPSE

To the Editor:

In regard to the positive drug test for the Yankees' Darryl Strawberry
(Sports pages, Feb. 24), I think it should be said that if one accepts the
premise that substance abuse is a relapsing disease, much like arthritis or
depression, a failed drug test is part of the treatment process, not the
end of the line.

Experts in the field of substance abuse have come to view relapse
prevention as perhaps the most important aspect of rehab and to understand
that a "lapse" is not always a "relapse."

What is needed is more understanding of the process of healing in substance
abuse and less talk about suitable punishment for Strawberry.

ANNE HARTLEY New York, Feb. 24, 2000