Thanks 'Guest' (#2?) for your response to my post above (and Dianavan and Poppagator too), especially for the kind words of support.

You're right, I don't agree with all that you three say, and I still believe that removing the first step entirely rather than making it easier is the sensible way. However, I also believe that the jury's still out on that one and who knows, I may be proved wrong. Otherwise, I respect your right to your views. For what it's worth (and you'll no doubt disagree with me again, but that's OK) I'd like to see greater controls on the use of alcohol and tobacco, a lowering of National and Motorway speed limits and a raising of the minimum driving age to 25 too. How radical is that!

My posting was put out there in blind anger (you probably guessed!) and the reason for that is the way others on this thread seem to view their own use of the drug which started my lad's problems as just a lark, a joke,something to feel big about. For some, maybe it is but for far too many others it's an irreversible step towards doom.

Anyway guys, thanks again for your good wishes, my boy's off H at the moment but on Methadone - bad enough but at least it's legal and he can function well enough to have got himself a place on a course at our local college of FE. Hope at last?

Peace :0)