That the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel champion the cause of treatment versus incarceration with regards to addiction is one step in a healthy direction. However, on the July 5 Opinion page two examples were published on why we are nowhere close to dealing, in a healthy way, with addiction.

The first was the cartoon of an addict on a hypodermic “cross” with an obvious biblical message beneath. Basically this “theme” has been the approach of dealing with addiction the past 50 years with very limited success. While religion may heal the soul, it is medicine and science that heals the body and brain. The medical community needs to take charge of treating this neuro-based disease and leave behind the pseudo-psychology approach that has provided little in the way of recovery for the vast majority of people who suffer with addiction.

The current issue of energy focused on opiates is understandable but does not address the complete picture of addiction itself. Without a holistic approach, these efforts are doomed to fall short of any well-meant goal of recovery.

The terms “substance abuser” and “drug abuser” are a mislabeling of what addiction is, about in the same way a diabetic could be mislabeled a sugar abuser. Addiction is, for the vast majority who have it, a genetically based disease. The person with addiction uses drugs to try to establish a balance or normalcy to their lives. It is not a choice they make nor is it driven by antiquated beliefs of character defects or lack of willpower or morality.

We have a chance, through the latest research and a better understanding of the true nature of addiction, to implement a 21st-century approach to this and change the outcome for so many who suffer.

Robert Creamer

Hallowell