GETTING TO THE HEART OF ADDICTION PROBLEM (4 OF 4)

The Sun's editorial "Drug addiction fuels murderous trend" (June 27), was
very enlightening about Baltimore's addiction treatment plan. Our city must
offer drug treatment on demand if we are to stop this drug epidemic. The
city and state must cooperate to find the funds needed.

The Schmoke administration makes the valid point that we should offer
treatment to addicts before they wind up in the criminal justice system. Lt.
Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's idea of treating lawbreakers in order to
secure public safety is also valid.

But, because treatment works best when the patient is ready and willing to
be helped. I prefer Mr. Schmoke's plan. A judge can order an addict into
treatment, but if the addict thinks he or she has no problem or needs no
help, a treatment slot will be wasted.

Joseph R. Armstead Jr., Baltimore