RUSH NOT ALONE

The recent news concerning Rush Limbaugh's alleged drug problems comesas no
great surprise. If the accusations prove true, he has my sincere sympathy,
and I wish him well in his recovery. However, it is time for us to wake up
to the fact that drug addiction ,in particular prescription drug addiction,
is in danger of becoming this nation's number one public health problem.

This issue transcends all ages, genders and socioeconomic groups. Sadly, we
have become a nation of pill poppers. It is interesting to note that our
number one prescribed drug happens to be hydrocodone, a powerful
prescription pain medication.

From all accounts, prescription drug abuse is a clear and present danger
to our population and not enough is being done to address this serious problem.

Maybe Mr. Limbaugh's present circumstances will further highlight this
national crisis and act as a wake-up call to us all. We cannot afford to
bury our heads in the sand any longer. Something has to be done and soon. -

Fulton DeFour, Pensacola