Veterans take healthy path

By Anne Dorre, Kingman, Ariz.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017 | 2 a.m.

It was heartening to hear about veterans who have found peace after combat, not through pills but by means of healthier, research-based alternatives such as nature, exercise and social support (“For many veterans, nature offers a chance for peace,” Aug. 5, the Sun).

Additionally, I must commend Heath Lanctot for having the fortitude to refuse the “eight different drugs” repeatedly offered to him by a veterans hospital. Ultimately, he made the admirable decision to do what he knew would be best for himself.

In our society, too many people often depend on the largely unchallenged “quick fix” of medication without first investigating other, more healthful and research-based options.

Before resorting to drugs and their risk of adverse effects, a more constructive choice for both veterans and nonveterans alike would be to follow the examples of these combat veterans. That is, before electing to take a pill, consider the many nondrug alternatives available to achieve serenity.