FIGHTING ADDICTIONS TAKES MONEY, EFFORT

This letter is in response to Pastor Eddie Hodges letter of October 2,
2002. He states, "The solution to this problem (drinking and drugs) is real
simple - Just Say No!" The solution to this problem is not "real simple."
Alcoholism and drug addiction are illnesses, and an addict cannot simply
quit, as Pastor Hodges suggests.

It takes a whole lot of effort and a whole lot of money to beat these
addictions. Does Pastor Hodges believe that addicts enjoy losing their
families, jobs, and homes?

Does he think they're having fun? You would not tell a person who has
cancer to just "quit" having cancer.

It must be treated. Also, the criminal justice system does not help. The
amount of public money spent charging, trying, and incarcerating these
addicts would be much better spent on education and rehabilitation. Our
prisons are full of people who, aside from their addictions, are
law-abiding family oriented citizens.

These people will come out of prison or jail in much worse shape than they
went in. To say that "Jesus Christ can help you overcome drugs" is silly.

Good Christians are addicts as well. Maybe if Jesus Christ can lead the way
to a good rehabiltation center and pay the bill, then we can credit Him
with overcoming addiction. Until then, we should offer support (both moral
and financial) to those in need of intervention.

K. Kendrick

Former Hendersonville resident Murfreesboro