http://exhibits.library.stonybrook.edu/mfp/files/original/184f20bbf3d39c8007af8c9e6cc06377.pdf 3d95c447c4e7cbb53755859a05905c51 PDF Text Text nunsawv Wm—“ w—w w 'm.‘-1'1‘ , - , May : } ‘ l i E .W , “‘\.n.'~. 16, 1970 Mr. Max Singer Hudson Institute Croton~on~Fudson, N.Y. Dear Max, E k E E ‘ r l, I have read the "First Draft of Final Report”, dated interest, enthusiasm and some eventual disappointment. Interest, because the report is well-written and some expressions(such as the need for better enforcement against heroin) are clearly stated. Enthusiasm, because I know the problem is urgent and any thoughtful Hay 1970 with approach should be listened to with care. Disappointment, because I find the medical aspects treated tritely, even diffidently, and with an immaturity that casts doubt on the value of the effort. Perhaps my original doubts are re-enforced by this report. Let me give you a few examples. "Moreover, physical damage from even protracted use of heroin is rarely serious or irreversible.” (pg 16,par. 1); and, "Current addiction . . . . is a dfiseaee one can treat, and in most cases is not terribly serious even if untreated." (pg 19, par. 2). What fatuous comments ! Death is irreversible, and death is an ever~present aspect of opiate dependence. So is liver dysfunction and heart disease and post~traumatic } g ‘ brain disease. Your views of opiate dependence are the views of the upper classes who rarely saw the dangers of syphilis or tuberculosis, diseases of 'those other people', and therefore could say that they were unimportant—~ until it affected their children. Heroin addiction is a serious, fatal disease, especially among the young. seems likely that many or most of those who take up heroin are weal or immature personalities, perhaps psychologically dependent types. It also seems likely that the addiction experience strongly "It reinforces the tendency tpvard immaturity, weakening the character of those who might have been stronger when they began." (pg 19, par 1). There is no evidence for these views, and they are eqyllly fatuous. How does it help to see the ill as "psychologically weak" except to superiority. I suppose it makes you feel better, for after not addicted, therefore you must be 'strong' or have a are you all, 'mature personality'. Come off it, Mr. Jack Armstrong, All—American assert your own Nixon hero. There is more. I am disappointed that we know so much that research is not needed. I am delighted that there is little danger of methadone spillage, especially if the delivery system is computerized. more -ps �WI" We." . 351w - mm,- W . ){ax , Singer OOOIOOIOOC-l-QOODOI...P8882 w 1W wmrmww:WH-+r mv~w¢rmau~z("4" ‘W“<:Vm"rm COCOOOCUODOOCOOIOUBIay16’ It is valuable to know that a methadone delivery system can be and indeed could eventually replace off~track self—supporting, as a source of state revenues. "Wm—W Remind me 1970 betting There is some hppe in the future, I am glad to see. to have faith in the democratic process, if does work. "WWW. v... I thanks for sharing this preliminary report, and sure you will appreciate the candor. My WW... am .. My Wmvvaum best regards. _- -- Sincerely yours, E Max Fink, M.D. Professor of Psychiatry [ mf/ P.S. Truitt position paper on legalization of marijuana is equally trite and superficial. The issue is not the medical data on marijuana, where I agree we need more information, and we are participating in obtaining the necessary data. The present crisis is the disparity between the severity of the legal penalties for marijuana use and possession and the complete lack of evidence of any harm from occasional use (or the harsh comparison with alcohol use and its prominent medical complications). The political issue is in a relaxation of legal penalties for marijuana use and the clear separation of its relative safety with the severe harm of the The opiates. "1' ~. w«unm.~n~vw~ many-r � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Correspondence Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Correspondence to: Singer, Max Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context mfp-05-00-024-5-238 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1970 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a title="Fink, Max, 1923-" href="http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n79039548" target="_blank">Fink, Max, 1923-</a> Subject The topic of the resource Correspondence -- Correspondence Relation A related resource The Max Fink Collection Description An account of the resource Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a title="IN COPYRIGHT - EDUCATIONAL USE PERMITTED" href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/" target="_blank">IN COPYRIGHT - EDUCATIONAL USE PERMITTED</a> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries. 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