Pubdate: Sun, 22 Sep 2002
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
2472.DTL
Copyright: 2002 Hearst Communications Inc.
Contact:  http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388
Author: Amy Altschul

IS THERE ANY REASON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD DENY MEDICINAL RELIEF TO 
PEOPLE IN PAIN?

There is no reason at all. Our personal lives and our relationships with 
our doctors are supposed to be our own. And the concern that people will 
become drug addicts is beyond absurd. If a person is in chronic, severe 
pain, the chances are she or he isn't going to become an addict. And if 
becoming addicted to drugs is the only alternative a person has to be out 
of pain enough to function, what difference does it make?

Amy Altschul, Oakland
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