Daryl Gates’ Comments on Drug Users

In all too many cases we have a drug policy being set by individuals with limited expertise in the field of alcoholism and other drug addictions.

Chief Gates and many others would be surprised to learn that our patients are ordinary people (doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, etc.) whose lives have become unmanageable due to their dependence on alcohol and other drugs. The focus and benefit of treatment is to provide an opportunity for these individuals and their families to recover from chemical dependency and to repair the damage done to their lives. These individuals have the right to proper care and treatment.

JOHN T. SCHWARZLOSE

Executive Director/Vice President

Betty Ford Center

Rancho Mirage