ICE ADDICTS ARE IN PAIN, BUT NOT FROM DISEASE

After their documentary "Ice: Hawaii's Crystal Meth Epidemic," I believe it
would be a misuse of the tremendous talents of investigator Matt Levi and
producers Edgy Lee and Jeffrey Mueller if their second film focuses on, as
planned, youths from elementary school to college age. Those stories can best
be told through print and television media.

What is needed is an investigative documentary into the dark and mysterious
world of drug kingpins and pushers who prey upon the very young and weak. Most
law-abiding Hawaii residents are unaware of that kind of world.

I also respectfully take exception to the experts who say crystal meth
addiction is a disease. It is not a disease. If I fall down and break a bone in
my arm, I don't have a disease. I have a separated bone, and my focus is to
heal the separation and make the bone whole again.

The root problem of drug users is a different kind of pain; a separation from
and a longing for certain realities. That separation and longing can exist on
physical, emotional, mental and/or spiritual planes. And when individuals don't
have the knowledge or the tools to deal with their separation and longing, they
turn in moments of weakness or vulnerability to ice or other drugs to mask,
deny, ignore or numb themselves to the pain.

Although all of us must bear responsibility for the world in which we live, the
ultimate responsibility is with the drug users who must make new choices. When
they do, there is help available to make them whole again.

Carlino Giampolo

Honolulu