RUSH'S HABIT ISN'T DIFFERENT

Editor, Times-Dispatch: I have read the letters that seem to place the
emphasis of Rush Limbaugh's problems on liberal ideals vs. conservative
ideals. They describe his problem with OxyContin as different from an
individual who is addicted to cocaine or heroin. This is a common
misconception.

Limbaugh is addicted to a narcotic that is three times stronger than
heroin. Heroin is the worst drug on the street. Heroin has destroyed
families, jobs, and lives. People addicted to heroin, OxyContin, or
methadone are all fighting the same fight. I, along with many of my
co-workers in metro Richmond, have fought the war on the street and truly
understand there is no difference.

Just like Rush, a person who is addicted to heroin can look as if he is
leading a perfectly normal life - as long as he has the money to support
his habit (which Rush did). People addicted to heroin or OxyContin try to
get their fix on a regular schedule. They make sure they are around to meet
their "man" before most of us are out of the bed and on the way to work.
They get their next hit around lunch, another prior to dinner, and another
prior to bed. They can maintain their daily routines as long as they have
the drug in their system.

These individuals usually don't look or ask for help until they are
confronted by their problem. In Rush's case, that was when he realized he
was being investigated by law enforcement. Those who don't have the money
Rush had need to resort to other ways of supporting their habit. I'm sorry
to say that Rush Limbaugh is as big a "junkie," if not bigger than, as any
person we see on the street scratching for his next "egg" of heroin.

Charles Hanna.