Dear Ms. Waismann and all the doctors at the Institute,

I would like to share with you a letter I have submitted for the Congressional hearings Feb. 9.  I know you doctors are working hard with many of the victims of this disaster and I would like to thank you for your dedication and service to these struggling patients.  I only wish I had known that this was available to me November 3, 2001. 

I was a legal patient user of Oxycontin for back pain.  When my doctor realized I was addicted, he abandonded me and refused to help other physicians, who were willing to help me detox.  When I tried to get help for detoxification, the only facility I could find at that time was a detox center for alcoholics.  I was thier first patient on this drug, of which, they had no regimen knowledge, nor experience.  When trying to get the information, of course every source, was woefully inadaquate.  I was told upon admition that I would in no uncertain terms NOT be given any narcotics.  I didn't know any better, wanted to get off this poison, and proceeded to stay there for 5 days, with not much more than blood pressure checks.  I want to take an opportunity to commend you for your work with these unfortunate people who have met up with the pill called Oxycontin, no matter how it was introduced to them, nor how they acquired the drug.  I'm sure you can see how this drug is in a class of it's own, no matter how it has been officially labeled.  My heart and prayers go out to all of you.

Sincerely,

Betts

Read Betts' letter to President Bush.