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