DRUG SLIPSTREAM

THANK you for "Deadly Dope" (November 1). At last somebody
understands. As the mother of a 24-year-old (emotional age 16) I have
been angered for some time by the marijuana syndrome. Help was there
for those with real drug problems - "he's only on the dreaded weed,
you're lucky!"

Meantime I have watched my highly intelligent, talented, handsome son
change from a social sport-loving person to a sad, cold, arguing,
unmotivated individual who blames all society for his misfortunes -
car accidents, debts, job loss, friendlessness.

Financially he has cost all of the family heavily when we have tried
to get him hack on track. Emotionally the cost has been incredible.

Maybe your article is the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe it is
too late for a lot of the 24-year-olds but hopefully the truth will be
told to the 16-year-olds, for their own and their families' sake.

A MOTHER

Checked-by: Rich O'Grady