EDITORIAL
Treat the addiction and the 'ice' will melt

After years of witnessing the ravages of crystal methamphetamine abuse, residents of Kahalu'u, Wai'anae and Mililani are emerging from denial and inertia to confront a disease afflicting their families and neighborhoods.

And we're proud of them.

But while a zero-tolerance stance on "ice" will temporarily drive the dealers underground, they'll be back as long as their customers crave the drugs. That's why the battle against ice cannot be won without sufficient treatment and support groups.

Advertiser columnist Lee Cataluna recently told the success stories of three former drug addicts who got clean with the help of Narcotics Anonymous.

As Cataluna's columns demonstrate, the least likely folks can develop the habit. Sometimes they're predisposed because addictions run in the family. Others may be too ashamed to admit they're hopelessly hooked.

And that's the beauty of Narcotics Anonymous. It gives users confidentiality as they pull themselves together.

Following the N.A. program involves admitting there is a problem, seeking help, self-appraisal, making amends with those who have been harmed by the addiction and working with other addicts who want to recover.

For details on Narcotics Anonymous, call 734-4357 or visit www.na-hawaii.org.