letters

Many teenagers are unaware that heroin is dangerous and addictive (“Heroin’s surge gets pushback,” Feb. 10). Heroin use has been increasing statewide, and there is an obvious reason why.

When I was younger, I was taught about the dangers of various drugs. Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana were put on the same level as cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. I’ve seen firsthand some of the effects that this sort of education has.

Kids my age try drinking, or smoking, and quickly realize that the dangers of these activities were greatly exaggerated. They then come to the conclusion that they were lied to about how dangerous cocaine, meth and heroin are. Suddenly, it seems perfectly safe to try those substances.

What we really need is an education that accurately portrays the effects that various drugs have, physically, emotionally, socially and legally.

KHIARA FOSS, St.Paul