DRUG USERS AREN'T TERRORISTS

Whitestone: The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy landed a
couple of cheap shots on the public during the worldwide telecast of the
Super Bowl.

Its public service announcements during the game capitalized on the tragic
events of Sept. 11, telling young drug users that they are supporting
terrorists and drug smugglers through this behavior. In light of the
patriotic fervor sweeping the country, it is not helpful to intimate that
our young people are involved in disloyal activities. For people who are
developing a serious substance abuse problem, it can only add to the stress
and blame, which can be a trigger for more use.

What is even more interesting was that these announcements took place
during a show that featured many Budweiser beer commercials promoting the
use of alcohol, a legal drug.

Anthony Scro, Advocates for the Betterment of Addiction Treatment and
Education (ABATE)