THE MAYOR AND A HEROIN TRIAL

I MUST challenge the editorial on heroin (NH 30/11).

The Lord Mayor is well within his scope in asking for a heroin trial. He is
not the only mayor wanting this.

Local government areas are exactly where the results of the crime cycle
associated with heroin addiction have their major effects.

I think that addiction is the result of an accident. Young people try
things that they perceive as daring or fashionable.

Most of these experiments are discarded with maturity, but if the
experiment causes addiction, then the sufferer is afflicted with the
equivalent of a crippling illness.

I understand that continued use of heroin doesn't cause physical
deterioration the way that alcohol does, so it is possible for a heroin
addict to function if the addiction is satisfied.

I know a number of addicted young people, and my perception of them is that
they are sensitive and intelligent, and each one would rather not be addicted.

Each one would quit if they could.

It seems to me that if heroin were administered as a medication, to addicts
registered to receive it, a path back to health would be created.

The torture of getting a dose would be removed, and the effects on health
resulting from impurities and variations in strength of heroin would also
be removed.

I believe that the key is to neutralise the black market and the associated
crime cycle.

Lionel Doolan
New Lambton

Checked-by: Richard Lake