... OR AN ADMISSION OF DEFEAT?

The article "The Life and Death of Ben" depicts another tragic sequence of
events terminating in a seemingly senseless loss of life, and a family left
wondering why.

However, I am tired of hearing how "society has failed". Throughout
history, societies have always had to deal with hardships, and throughout
life's trials and tribulations, most people are sorely tested at some time
or other.

People make a choice to turn to drugs for relief. Why is it that some
individuals learn to cope whilst others succumb? People often find inner
strength through meeting the challenges of life, and there is so much more
government support if people want to help themselves.

I do not want to see heroin legalised. Creating a society of drug addicts
is not the answer - it would be an admission of defeat against this problem.

Addicts will become bored with it and desire to try other substances.
Others will be tempted to experience it, as it will be even cheaper on the
streets, and pushers will succeed in offering more deadly concoctions.

Continuing education is needed, as well as stricter penalties for the pushers.

If individuals are so self-centred and selfish as to inflict pain on loved
ones with their addiction, then they have simply failed themselves -
society has not.

MELINDA JONES, Surrey Hills