Reader's View

BAN ON OXYCONTIN WOULD DEVASTATE PATIENTS

I am responding to the story in your paper regarding the U.S. Rep. Stephen
Lynch and his proposal to ban the drug OxyContin. I am an oncology nurse in
a large Boston hospital, and I shudder to think what will happen to our
terminally ill population whose only escape from an existence of
excruciating pain is by way of OxyContin. I think Lynch needs to do a
little more research into the benefits of OxyContin before he takes such a
firm stand to "ban" the drug. I appreciate the reasoning behind his position.

I grew up in South Boston and know some of the victims he speaks of and the
addiction from which they suffer. Perhaps Lynch needs to look in another
area of the city known as the Pine Street Inn. These unfortunate people are
also victims of a devastating addiction. Perhaps he can use his clout in
Congress to ban alcohol. Another addiction that is on the rise and
destroying many of our young citizens is gambling.

Perhaps Lynch could also ban gambling, including the Lottery in
Massachusetts and the casinos in Connecticut and Las Vegas. Texas Hold 'em
has become the latest fad for teenagers, and I fear that many of them will
be led down a very bad path in life because of this addiction. What about
teenage girls who find the only relief from the pain of depression is to
cut themselves? This also is a trend that's picking up momentum.

Should we request that Lynch use his influence to "ban" all household
scissors? None of the previously stated addictions involve illegal
substances, yet the addiction to them can have devastating effects.