ABUSERS LOOKING FOR REAL HELP

Re: "Overflow," Letter, Oct. 11.

As a recovered abuser of crack and powder cocaine (clean 11 years), I
would like to echo letter writer Robert Sharpe.

I rebut any suggestion that true drug abusers won't seek help unless
arrested by police first and given a criminal record.

Every injection drug user, cocaine or methamphetamine addict I've
ever met was not interested in perpetual use. They are all seeking a
viable way to get clean from the destructive cycle of use. However,
each person has his or her own time lag to quit. For some, that can
come quickly, while for others it may take several months or years.

Every user will eventually stop, because perpetual drug use is almost
impossible physically. While patiently working with those abusers
trying to quit, we benefit if we give them the same latitude and
patience as we would a friend or family member who was addicted to
alcohol, tobacco or prescribed pharmaceuticals.

It's possible to overcome a drug addiction. It's far more difficult
to overcome a criminal record, especially if that record contains
felony drug convictions.

Stephen Heath

Clearwater, Fla.

Stephen Heath is public relations director for the Drug Policy Forum of Florida.