ELIMINATE PENALTIES AND FACILITATE REHAB

Regarding your Sept. 23 editorial on addiction, the
tough-on-some-drugs approach is part of the problem. Illegal drug
users are reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an
overdose for fear of being charged with a crime. Attempting to save
the life of a friend could result in a murder charge. Overzealous drug
enforcement results in easily preventable deaths.

Rehabilitation also is confounded. I think it's safe to say that
turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather low if
alcoholism were a crime pursued with zero tolerance zeal. Eliminating
the penalties associated with illicit drug abuse would encourage the
type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate rehabilitation and
save lives.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.