Therapy

Government distribution of nicotine patches to poor people (your report, 8
August) to help them overcome their tobacco addiction is a form of the
dreaded maintenance therapy so scorned by anti-drug crusaders when they
denounce heroin maintenance experiments.

What makes the same form of therapy prudent public health in one setting
and "coddling" of addicts in another? Just thought I'd ask.

Thomas J O'Connell
San Mateo, California, USA

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)