Putting a Note of Reality in Drug Fight

I was glad to read (July 17) that South Pasadena is going to work on its problems of young drug addicts in its city.

But why the euphemisms, i.e. substance abuse, and particularly the name of the group: South Pasadena Abuse Response? That name could mean sexual abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, etc. The reality? South Pasadena Drug Addiction--whether it’s cocaine or alcohol.

It’s easy for people to call Skid Row and street people drug addicts and alcoholics, but in the bedroom communities the euphemisms abound. It’s also easy for almost everybody to say that he or she is a food addict, a chocolate addict and on and on. But when it comes to drugs, reality is hard to come by.

Nancy V. Hoskins

PASADENA