Celeb drug use warning

Today's news is all about glamourising drugs use and celebrities getting off too lightly.

The United Nations drugs watchdog believes that being lenient on celebrity drug users sends out the wrong messages to young people.

I totally agree with this, celebrities have a lot of influence over young people and it doesn't make sense that those such as Amy Winehouse should be pictured high on drugs one day, and then receive an industry award the next. The reason why Pete Doherty recently won Hero of the Year at the NME awards is beyond me, why? why?? What sort of message does this send out?

However, I'm not sure that they're treated leniently just because they're celebrities, I think the current overcrowded state of our prisons stops most judges from sending anyone but the most hardened or dangerous criminals to prison.

I think the important aspect here is not so much the judges' actions, but the press for printing the pictures, running the stories and the entertainment industry for continuing to support celebrity drug users. I think they should be banned from the spotlight until they are rehabilitated, surely this is not only a better message for young people, but also gives the stars a chance to get better.

Helen