WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DRUG ADDICT

Speaking as a physician in the front lines caring for manipulative,
abusive patients who use every trick known to obtain drugs, I applaud
Mr. Dalymple's realistic appraisal of our medicating what is, in
fact, criminal behavior. Our institution has to treat these patients
and has a seemingly endless number of social programs, drug
counselors and social workers buying into the notion that we need
"more rehabilitation programs" for these patients. I've sent a copy
of the piece to all of our residents, interns and faculty. Bravo!

Dana Fredrick Hoch, M.D.

San Jose, Calif.