EXPERIENCE SPEAKS

Another child dies of a drug overdose. Another community wonders why.
And another mother claims she could get no help from anyone.

What is wrong with this picture, Texas? This is an outrage and an
epidemic that is killing our future! The fact is, people, you are
talking to the wrong folks!

Why are police and preachers sitting on the panels and making these
decisions? Are these people experts? `No!' Why are doctors and lawyers
sitting on these panels? Are these people experts? `No!' Who are the
experts? Other addicts! If you people do not open your minds and erase
the stigma of "once an addict, always an addict," children will
continue to die!

I am a recovering addict and a responsible member of this society.
There are thousands more out there, and we are all willing to help.
But we could lose our jobs, our futures and our status in this society
if we come forward to help! Why do you think 12-step programs are
called "------ Anonymous"? It is you people who choose to discriminate
to the point that helpful people refuse to help.

I am fortunate enough to not have to care about who I tell that I am a
recovering addict; others are not that fortunate. This society and its
children are dying, and you have the wrong people trying to stop it!

Charles Stephens
Fort Worth

Checked-by: Patrick Henry