Time and time again you have pointed out that you support the right for a person to do what they wish with their body. I would agree with that if the addicts and alcoholics were responsible while under the influence of drug or alcohol, but that is not the case. Addicts become paranoid and may hallucinate while under the influence. In this example the protection is for the user and the rest of the community. Who is going to keep the community safe from these people. Do the laws help to keep others safe? Most often addicts and alcoholics have a dual diagnosis with an underlying mental illness. The drugs or alcohol take away or lessen the depression, and racing thoughts to name a few. The answer to fixing the drug problem is not simple.

I worked in an ICU/Trauma unit. I watched family and friends grieve over the losses that resulted from the drug/alcohol problem. I spent a 12 hour shift with a nineteen year old and his mother. He was on house arrest, but attended his NA meeting the night before. At the meeting, someone supplied him with drugs. At 10am his mom attempted to wake him. His heart rate was 150 bpm, Blood pressure 210/120, and his tempurature was 105. He had a heart attack and a stroke. I spent every 15 minutes checking his neuro status over and over again. His mother prayed beside him all night long. One year later, a tall handsome boy limped on my unit and approached me to say thanks. His speech was funny and his arm hung down at his side. He had been in physical therapy for a long time to regain mobility and some use of his arm. I talked to him for a while, hugged him and then went home and hugged my two baby sons.

We can't give up trying to help people. Knowing that heroin is cheap, easily found and extremely addicted scares me. I want to do everything possible to protect may family. Maybe if you were a parent you might feel different, maybe not.

I know that we all have our opinions and heated debates arise from these. I can only hope that some better alternatives result from people expressing their opinions. Thanks for allowing me to ramble.