LEGALIZING DRUGS: A REAL FIX OR TRUE FOLLY?

Re "Let those dopers be," Current, Oct. 16

Norm Stamper touches on an important issue: addictive behaviors cannot
be rationally dealt with when the addict, to meet those needs, turns
to criminal behavior. Drug abuse is an addictive behavior and should
not be dealt with as criminal, by itself. We don't deal with alcohol
or nicotine abuse or many other addictive behaviors by treating the
addicted as criminals. Addictive behaviors are self-abuse behaviors
and should be treated, not punished.

Robert Wells

West Hills