PUT ICE USERS IN PRISON TO END THEIR ADDICTION

One of the few voices of reason about Hawaii's crystal methamphetamine problem
came from Richard O. Rowland in his Aug. 28 column, "'Ice' use is a decision,
not a curable disease." He correctly stated that the use of ice, not ice
itself, is the problem. Ice is not a deadly disease that can be treated by
antibiotics or other drugs.

Reducing the flow of ice into the state, although helpful, will not cure the
problem. To stop ice use, one must address two areas -- prevention of
first-time use and break from continued use.

Liberals argue that social programs and community support will prevent someone
from first-time ice use. I do not disagree. They also argue that people with
lower incomes and broken families are more likely to use ice. Statistically,
that may be correct.

However, how does this explain all those stories of children from loving
families and good schools who get hooked on ice? In every one of those stories
the user gets hooked on ice because a "friend" turned them onto it. Some
friend! People get hooked on ice because they make the stupid decision to let a
drug user stay in their sphere of influence.

Once hooked on ice, which apparently happens after the first-time use, there is
only one effective way to break from continued use -- total abstinence. Ice, it
appears, is so addictive that only physical separation or restraint can prevent
continued use. Yes, mandatory jail time needs to be instituted in every single
case. I don't care if the prisons are over-crowded. Stack them three high, put
them in tents, and have them hot-rack the cots for sleep time.

Parents need to hold their children accountable for who they hang out with.
Society needs to hold drug users accountable for the destruction they cause to
the community. Love and kindness are nice and make you feel good, but only a
firm hand and toughness can counter the evil of ice use.

Bradford P. Morriseau

Mililani