Pubdate: Sat, 28 Jan 2006
Source: Herald-Dispatch, The (Huntington, WV)
Copyright: 2006 The Herald-Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.hdonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1454
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n102.a03.html

TREATMENT IS BEST WAY TO FIGHT DRUGS

If Huntington is serious about tackling the drug problem, the mayor
and City Council need to fund drug treatment. The law enforcement
approach is a proven failure. Prison cells are ineffective as
deterrents and inappropriate as health interventions.

A study conducted by the RAND Corp. found that every additional dollar
invested in substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48 in
societal costs. There is far more at stake than tax dollars.

The drug war is not the promoter of family values that some would have
us believe. Children of inmates are at risk of educational failure,
joblessness, addiction and delinquency.

Not only do the children lose out, but society as a whole does, too.
Incarcerating non-violent drug offenders alongside hardened criminals
is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education
in anti-social behavior.

Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste of
tax dollars. It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and
begin treating all substance abuse, legal or otherwise, as the public
health problem it is. Destroying the futures and families of citizens
who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone. Drug abuse is bad,
but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin