The Complexities of Addiction

Eduardo Munoz’ tale of his crack-addicted brother (“A Brother’s Keeper Spurns the Newest Drug-War Slogan,” Nov. 2), while poignant, completely misses the point. He mistakenly assumes that the “Just Don’t Do It” slogan is directed at addicts, when in fact it’s directed at those young people who haven’t yet tried drugs. It’s purposely designed as a “tidy” and “simple” statement in order to give those adolescents who are encountering drugs for the first time a clear and unambiguous choice.

Unfortunately, there is no tidy and simple solution for the addict. His problem requires months and sometimes years of substance-free anguish before he can even begin to feel somewhat cured. Ultimately, only he can help himself.

ARNO KEKS

El Monte