DRUG ABUSERS ALSO PUT FAMILY MEMBERS AT RISK

Contrary to Robert Sharpe's assertions in his Aug. 10 letter, the drug war
not only promotes but protects families and their values. Children and
family members of inmates and non-incarcerated illegal drug users are put in
harm's way every day by their association with drug users.

A 1997 Journal of the American Medical Association study reported that
"people who do not use illegal drugs but live in households where such drugs
are used are 11 times as likely to be killed as those living in drug-free
homes," and "drug abuse in a home increased a woman's risk of being killed
by a spouse, lover or close relative by 28 times."

The researchers concluded, "Our concept of the individual at risk for
violent death should be broadened to include not only the substance abuser,
but also those who may be at risk because of the presence of others within
the household who are substance abusers."

Unless Mr. Sharpe excludes the safety and well-being of family members as a
family value, he is dead wrong.

Jeanette McDougal

Director, National Alliance for Health and Safety

Chairwoman, Drug Watch/Hawaii