COLD TURKEY

I am a nurse who cares for the mentally ill and drug-addicted people,
and it's apparent to me that hurricane Katrina has emphasized (whether
it be the U.S. or Canada) our dependence on drugs, prescribed or otherwise.

Besides those refugees of the storm in need of diabetic or epileptic
medication etc., there are those without their usual sedatives or pain
killers or psychotropic medications that help keep their health
(including their behaviour) balanced. As well, addicts unable to
access their usual illicit drug supply will be going through withdrawl
which can produce some maniacal behavior when going "cold turkey"
without support!

While the there are undoubtedly "bad seeds" who always create havoc
wherever they go by taking criminal advantage of their fellow man, the
vast majority of people is peaceful and law abiding. If they're off
their nut right now under these dire circumstances, however, they just
may be off their medication.

Liz Stonard

Coombs