Pubdate: Sat, 04 Aug 2001
Source: State, The (SC)
Copyright: 2001 The State
Contact:  http://www.thestate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/426
Author: Albert J. Sadowski

CALIFORNIA ON RIGHT TRACK ON DRUG POLICY

When I read about the suspended sentence given by the state of California 
to Robert Downey Jr. for his drug-addiction problems, I initially thought 
he got off easy because of his celebrity status.

The next day, I read where Russell Jones (rapper ODB) was sentenced to two 
to four years in prison by the state of New York, and I wondered about the 
consistency of drug-abuse policy.

It's about time that we recognize that substance abuse is a disease that 
needs treatment, not punishment. California's penalty of fines and 
mandatory rehabilitation is the preferred prescription.

Albert J. Sadowski

Lexington
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens