USE FACTS, LOGIC TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM

OF COURSE most would agree that telling young people not to use heroin
is the safest way (Vicki Salkin, Letters, 6 November) and that message
should be promoted, but the truth is that some people do use heroin.
Does this mean that we should make an example of and sacrifice the
lives of those who do for the unproven premise that this will prevent
others from using heroin?

Switzerland has not seen an increase in drug use since its
introduction of heroin prescription and safe injecting facilities. In
fact, its situation has improved markedly. For example, overdose
deaths dropped from 469 in 1992 to 241 in 1997.

Let's use facts and logic to deal with this tragic problem not
moralistic beliefs.

M. McCONNELL
Higgins

Checked-by: Patrick Henry