ADDICTION IS A DISEASE, NOT A MORAL ISSUE

I seldom read a Gathering Place that I totally disagree with, but you published
one by Richard O. Rowland ("'Ice' use is a decision, not a curable disease,"
Aug. 28) that fills the bill. I have written about and researched crystal meth
for more than six years. I've talked and listened to hundreds of ice addicts in
recovery. I've contacted professionals all over the nation to get their
opinions and advice.

I'm not a professional in the field myself, but allow me to quote from Kevin
Kunz, whose guest column appeared in the Star-Bulletin on Feb. 27, 1999. Kunz,
a physician at Kona Community Hospital, is a specialist in addiction treatment.
He shared with Star-Bulletin readers the lessons he had learned:

*- Addiction is a disease of the brain. It is not a crime, not a lack of will,
not a moral issue.

*- Treatment for drug addiction works.

*- Use of the criminal justice system and interdiction to reduce illegal drugs
and their harm is misguided and inadequate.

*- Substance abuse must be treated like any other disease by Hawaii's
health-care providers and insurance companies.

James V. Hall

Honolulu