Pubdate: Tue, 09 Jan 2001
Source: Austin American-Statesman (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Austin American-Statesman
Contact:  P. O. Box 670 Austin, Texas  78767
Fax: 512-445-3679
Website: http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/today/
Author: Chris Buors

A PRIVATE MATTER

The writer of the Jan. 4 letter, ``Corruption abounds,'' says that ``it's 
time to treat all substance abuse -- legal or otherwise -- as the public 
health problem that they are."

In the past, ``public health'' problems were defined as typhoid, 
tuberculosis and other communicable diseases. E. coli in the food system or 
a sanitation condition conducive to breeding rats could be considered a 
``public health'' problem. But is overindulging in alcohol a ``public 
health'' matter? Extending the idea, are the millions of people deemed 
overweight a ``public health'' matter?

The taking of drugs is a vice, not a crime or a medical disorder. No one 
ever ``caught'' addiction. Addictions are, in fact, stigmatizing moral 
judgments. Addiction is a choice. It takes an act of volition to shove 
needles in one's arm or lift a bottle to one's lips.

Restore our right to drugs. It is a right mankind has owned since time began.

CHRIS BUORS

Winnipeg, Manitoba
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