Pubdate: Fri, 07 Dec 2001
Source: Daily Independent, The (KY)
Copyright: 2001 The Daily Independent, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.dailyindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1573
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1922/a10.html?4898
Author: Veronica Nunley
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Note: Reference above is the only recent letter to this newspaper in the 
MAP archives from any drug policy organization.  That letter's subject is 
student drug testing, not legalization as argued by writer.

DRUG LEGALIZATION IS NOT THE SOLUTION

I have read with interest the recent "pro-legalization" letters. Generally, 
I prefer to be "proactive" rather than "reactive," but enough is enough.

Those outside our community have criticized local drug prevention and 
interdiction efforts. They've proclaimed alcohol prohibition a failure, and 
predicted illicit drug prohibition efforts are sure to fail as well. The 
Lindesmith Center, Drug Policy Foundation in Washington, D.C. has never 
ever been a part of the federal government. The name is intended to confuse 
people and try to lend legitimacy to the pro-legalization cause.

The most successful drug prevention and treatment strategies are 
community-based.

Before seriously considering legalization of illicit drugs, we should look 
at our track record for two legal drugs - alcohol and tobacco. Although 
we're making progress, we've still not eliminated sales to underage youth 
or eradicated the harm from the use and abuse of these products. What are 
the prospects we can reduce the harm caused by illicit drugs just by 
legalizing them?

Also, we should look at countries that have legalized drugs. There's no 
evidence from these countries to indicate that legalizing drugs decreases 
the negative social or health problems associated with drug use.

To the contrary, there is evidence to indicate that youth in these 
countries begin experimentation and use at an earlier age and that the 
onset of problems associated with use begins at an earlier age.

We must understand that there is no "silver bullet" when it comes to 
substance abuse prevention, but certainly legalization is not an 
option.  We have made great strides in our community in reducing substance 
use and abuse, providing early intervention, making treatment available and 
providing interdiction.  However, we must be vigilant and beware of 
pro-legalization individuals and organizations who are not stakeholders in 
our community.

Veronica Nunley, director ALERT Regional Prevention Center
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MAP posted-by: Jackl