PLEASE DON'T JUDGE US BY OUR ADDICTIONS

I AM responding to your report Teen's drug cocktail death (26/4). I
knew Preston Strahan and, like many others, held him in high regard.

I read about his death in the paper. I was shocked and disgusted to
see that he was labelled a heroin addict and a "doctor shopper". What
right do you have to write such things about a person you never knew?

You know nothing about the kind of person he was, just the unfortunate
activities that led to his death. Is my friend to be judged by his
addictions and downfalls? Preston was a good kid who was very likeable
and friendly and never said a bad word about anyone.

Did you pay attention to anything positive about my friend's life or
what kind of person he really was? No, just the terrible circumstances
of his death. The terms used to describe him may have some truth, but
that is no excuse to judge him.

I am, just like Preston was, addicted to heroin, I am also in prison.
Am I to be judged as another heroin addict and a "criminal"? Does the
fact that I committed a crime to support my habit mean that I am to be
forever judged this way? Does who I am, what I believe in and what is
important to me mean nothing because of the mistakes I have made.

I think there are some serious questions that need to be asked. I have
done many things that I regret and lost a lot through drugs. But I
will not let my friend be judged solely on the mistakes he made.
However tragic and pointless his death was, his name should not be
dragged through the mud. I ask that before you judge people in death,
remember and consider those who were his family and those who were his
friends. Please, let my friend truly rest in peace.

CHRIS THOMAS,
Canning Vale Prison.