With reference to Drug logic (TMID, 29 March) by Revel Barker, sense and sensibility proves him correct as to the offender’s “sentencing” to a drug rehabilitation programme.

However there is one flaw on his “too logical and too obvious a solution”. If the offender quits the drug programme at his/her own free will, his/her only option will be inside a prison cell.

Drug users who want to reform themselves can at any time change their lifestyle by “placing” their lives in the hands of competent people like those at San Blas, Santa Marija or Oasi for want of a drug-free life, yet if at any time they refuse to continue the programme, they have the right to leave at their own request.

Of course, the probability is that they will continue using drugs on the outside. Some youngsters have done the drug rehabilitation programme more than once yet still continue using drugs.

My insistence on a hospital for drug addicts with the latter having no choice in the matter is precisely why I am adamant that every drug user who is caught using drugs should be “locked” up for his own safety and that of others for years, if necessary.

Caught again will mean “in” again. A drug addict should have no other alternative but to be treated in this manner.

Valerie Borg

Valletta