ADDICTS' ADVOCATE

Re: Been there, done that, June 25.

What an amazing job Citizen reporter Alexandra Zabjek did on her
profile of Gerry White. He is the top lawyer for area addicts in
trouble with the law. Who can understand the demon of addiction
better than a person who has struggled with it most of his life?

The reason we admire Mr. White so much is his ability and willingness
to talk openly about his own addiction to alcohol.

He stopped drinking 29 years ago but he would understand the crack
cocaine addict of today better than many others in his profession
because he understands the strong power of addiction.

The easy way out for addicts is to keep giving in. If addicts want to
help themselves it requires a great deal of self-discipline.

There is definitely help out there but his clients must have the
required determination to successfully quit. He understands the
cycles of relapse that are part of recovery. He gets so frustrated
when clients slip up but is always willing to give them another chance.

He understands the mind of the addict through his own experience. If
anyone can help straighten out addicted lives and set them up in
programs, it is Mr. White. His work is a great asset to the city of
Ottawa. Thanks to Ms. Zabjek for this wonderful profile. Gerry White
is certainly an individual we all have to admire.

Ann MacDonell,

Vankleek Hill