TELL THE WHOLE STORY

I am an addict with continuous successful recovery in two fellowships
spanning over 24 years now. I have been active in helping others to
overcome their addictions during those years which may have given me
some insight into this topic. Philippe Lucas' generalization ("Letters
to the Editor," May 1) could cause needless suffering and further
deaths among the addictive population.

Of those who use both legal and illegal mind-altering drugs, a full
10% will succumb to full-blown addiction to their drug of choice.
These unfortunates have but four alternatives as addiction is a
downwardly progressive disease -- jails, institutions, death or
absolute abstinence and recovery.

As to marijuana, I am reminded of a close friend who entered treatment
over 15 years ago in Dublin, N.H., who had transferred his addiction
from his drug of choice, alcohol, to marijuana. On admission his
weight was 130 lbs., down from 210 lbs., his normal weight. On our
auto trip from Ottawa to New Hampshire, we stopped 18 times to allow
him to use.

His paranoia was such that over one week elapsed before he could
mingle with others at the facility hospital. Happily, treatment was
successful and he lived drug-free for another 16 years till he died at
age 61 of heart disease caused by damage done during his active years.
Please Mr. Lucas, and other proponents of the legalization of
marijuana: Tell the whole story!

Vic Blake

Gloucester

(We'll take a wild guess that they'll blame the booze)