PUNISH OXYCONTIN'S ABUSERS, NOT LEGAL USERS

I share the Herald-Leader's concerns regarding the abuse of OxyContin.
However, I am compelled to ask the editorial board to reconsider some of
its thoughts on this matter. I ask that the paper's staff and readers take
the time to read the information on OxyContin on the Food and Drug
Administration's Web site. It clearly states the capsule is not to be
broken, as that affects the pill's time-release capability. By snorting or
injecting OxyContin, the abusers are ingesting it contrary to not only
Purdue Pharma's directions, but also those of the FDA. At what point does
this become the individual's responsibility ? And at what point does the
public become informed of the truth, as explained in the aforementioned site?

Those who abuse this product should be brought to task for their
irresponsibility. However, their actions should not deny others access to
this extremely vital medication.

I have subscribed to this paper for several years, but because of the Dec.
16 editorial applauding U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers' actions and righteous
indignation, I was moved to cancel my subscription.

The families and loved ones of people who desperately rely upon this
medication for some semblance of normal day-to-day living (often while
facing a terminal illness) also have our righteous indignation.

Mary Miller

Richmond