LEAH BETT'S PARENTS BACK HEROIN PHOTOS

Leah Betts died aged 18 after taking ecstasy The parents of teenage
ecstasy victim Leah Betts have praised the decision to publish
photographs of Rachel Whitear's death from a heroin overdose.

Paul and Janet Betts, who lost their daughter on her 18th birthday,
said the shocking images would save the lives of many young people.

Mr Betts told BBC News Online he applauded Rachel's parents Mick and
Pauline Holcroft and added: "If you have just helped one young person
you have been successful".

But Roger Howard, chief executive of pressure group DrugScope
questioned the use of the horrific images: "There is little evidence
that such shock tactics actually work in changing behaviour."

'The truth pays'

The Betts have campaigned for better education about drug abuse since
Leah died in 1995.

Mr Betts and his wife have since given talks at more than 2,300
schools and distributed a video called 'Sorted' about Leah's story and
ecstasy to all secondary schools.

They believe the overwhelming support they have received from pupils
shows it pays to tell them the truth, no matter how difficult it may
be.

"They appreciate that someone is being honest with them," said Mr
Betts.

He added: "Most young people have only been told one side of the story
- - that drugs are fun, they won't do anything... I tell them both sides
of the story."

Janet Betts said Rachel's story would have the same effect: "This is
the truth - this is what happens if you overdose on heroin. It is not
what happens on the television or on soap operas or in the movies - it
is real life."

'Numb'

Despite their decision to release images of Rachel's death the
Holcrofts face a difficult future, Mr Betts said.

"Whenever they see their daughter's picture they will relive their
daughter's death. They will have arguments with friends and wonder if
they could not have done more to save her."

Mrs Betts added: "I remember the first time we saw Leah's picture in
the paper and we did feel numb and a certain amount of detachment.

"But somebody will later come up to you and say that they saw that
picture and it made them think again about taking drugs. Then it makes
it worthwhile."

'Worst nightmare'

After the pictures of 21-year-old Rachel's death in an Exmouth flat
were released Roger Howard said he was not convinced they would work.

He said: "The picture of Rachel is every parent's worst nightmare and
a family tragedy.

"DrugScope helps many schools with their drug education provision and
while it is understandable that parents and teachers want images like
this to be shown to highlight the potentially fatal affects of drugs,
there is little evidence that such shock tactics actually work in
changing behaviour."