Nov 9, 2015 2 min read

I was disturbed to read the Thursday Letter to the Editor from George Prevuznik objecting to the emergency use of Narcan by first-responders and others. I feel the need to respond as I am certain many other people in Washington County feel the same way as Prevuznik.

In his letter, he remarks that the emergency use of Narcan to save an addict’s life is a “stupid way to waste our money.” Human life is worth far more than money. One in 10 adults report being in recovery. Are we to dismiss 10 percent of the population?

Not every drug addict is under a bridge. They are professionals, ministers, your neighbors, your family members. Drug addiction is a disease. It changes the brain, disturbing the normal hierarchy of needs and desires. If someone contracts lung cancer after a lifetime of smoking, they still receive treatment and sympathy after the diagnosis, rather than being told it is all their fault and to suffer the consequences of their addiction.

We need to start treating addicts in this country, not jailing them. Everyone can see that has not worked. Every life is precious and a gift of God. We need to stop judging and give addicts the tools they need to get better.

And sometimes that first tool is the second chance of Narcan.

Bethany Kramer

Houston