Doctors' group: Drug addicts are "victims"

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  — Drug addicts are just victims of a vicious illegal trade, said Dr. Antonio Gauzon, president and founder of the Philippine College of Addiction Medicine (PCAM).

Gauzon made this statement during the 7th Annual PCAM Conference held in this city on Friday, and attended by member-physicians from various parts of the country. 

In his message during the opening of the conference two days earlier, Gauzon said there is a need for community participation and communication in the fight against substance and non-substance addiction.

There are various types of addiction and these could not be solved by doctors specializing in this field, the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies. These must be addressed by all sectors, said Gauzon. (FREEMAN)