Robert Downey Jr.

Re “Actor Robert Downey Jr. Given 6-Month Jail Term,” Dec. 9:

Could anyone really believe that Robert Downey Jr., who has the ability to have a full and creative life, would choose to be an addict?

When will we get over our moralistic naivete about addiction? Someone may choose to experiment with drugs or alcohol; addiction is not a choice. It cannot be punished away. When will we believe the research that proves that addiction is a chronic, relapsing medical condition that requires a variety of treatment strategies based on an individual patient’s needs?

When will we admit defeat? The war on drugs has failed. Perhaps there is no panacea, there rarely is, but certainly the criminalization of addiction is as wasteful as it is primitive and immoral.

RITA LOWENTHAL

Santa Monica

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Kudos to the judge for sentencing Downey to six months in jail. It’s about time someone took the proper stance and gave one of the overpaid and overblown egos what he deserves.

BOB SHERMAN

Glendale