RELATIVES CAN'T FIX DRUG ADDICTS

I am writing in response to Heather Johnson's letter to the editor
("Crackdown on crack a priority," Oct. 4).

I, too, have had two relatives on crack cocaine. There is nothing anyone
can do to help the addicts. They make a choice to use crack, and they must
make a choice to get clean. No one can do it for them. They can keep going
to rehab, but until they are serious it will do absolutely no good.

My two relatives have gotten clean -- one for almost five years and one for
almost two years. They have had to work a strict program, get a sponsor and
attend meetings on a regular basis.

I went to a lot of meetings, read a lot and learned something about how the
addict thinks. I also learned that it was not my fault and to not feel
guilty. We must come to the realization that we cannot fix addicts. Only
the addicts and their God can do that.

The only way you can help your loved ones is to be supportive and love
them. But do not support them financially, as this only enables them.

Relatives must educate themselves to the fact that they are not responsible
for the addiction and need not feel guilty. (Addicts are good at making
their loved ones feel guilty.)

The police and government do care, but they do not get the support they
need from the public. Also, when the police try to do their jobs they must
be careful or they could be sued for violating someone's civil rights.

We cannot expect to have a miracle cure for crack cocaine any more than we
can have a cure for cancer. At least the addict can make a choice to get
clean. The cancer victim does not have a choice.

JOYCE L. PROUTY, Daphne