Why not promote 12-step groups to curb fentanyl overdoses?

To the editor: I used to be glad to see columnist Anita Chabria shift the main target from punishing drug sellers to decreasing the demand for fentanyl, however sorry she and The Instances missed a chance to say 12-step packages akin to Narcotics Nameless and Alcoholics Nameless.

These packages are principally about one addict serving to one other. No professionals, simply the individuals who know the issue firsthand and have been in a position to cease, passing on the answer.

The fee is minimal and voluntary. Members are free to toss a couple of dollars right into a basket at conferences to pay for room rental and the like.

The Nationwide Institutes of Well being cites 12-step packages as a restoration instrument, as does the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Companies. Why not The Instances?

Zan Dubin-Scott, Santa Monica

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To the editor: The demand for fentanyl is excessive for a lot of causes.

Some customers take medicine to self-medicate for a bunch of issues that afflict humanity. That’s going to be a unbroken demand.

There are individuals with out emotional issues who need the drug just because it offers pleasure and people are pleasure-seeking beings. That’s going to be a unbroken demand.

You don’t cope with the latter group with remedy. You utilize the identical sort of instructional program that was used efficiently with cigarettes.

Everybody is aware of that medicine are unhealthy, however we have now to extend the extent of understanding to that of the man in Chabria’s column who works within the mortuary. He actually understands.

There are individuals who will pay attention and give up, and there are individuals who gained’t pay attention, and lots of of them will die. Now we have to forged off this fantasy that we are able to save everyone. It’s not going to occur.

Invoice Gravlin, Rancho Palos Verdes

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To the editor: The one technique to forestall habit is to stop the mind’s contact with the addictive substance within the first place or to intervene earlier than a drug or alcohol use dysfunction takes maintain.

Addictive chemical substances are usually unlawful for individuals below 18 or 21 to make use of, or they’re restricted for medical use solely. But many individuals get hooked at school.

Secrecy and denial are key in establishing an habit. So, let’s ceaselessly and randomly drug display screen all college students at school, figuring out drug abuse early earlier than it morphs into the tragedies and headlines we’re all too conversant in.

Failure to take action will solely result in extra ache and loss of life. Are our youngsters not price it?

James S. Kennedy, Smyrna, Tenn.