Pubdate: Mon, 09 Apr 2001
Source: Times-News, The (ID)
Copyright: 2001 Magic Valley Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.magicvalley.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/595
Author: Jim Lyons
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

DEVELOP PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Every year, thousands flock to get their annual flu shots, thus avoiding 
the costly treatment as well as avoiding the physical suffering.

Now we are considering spending huge amounts of money for treating addicted 
drug and alcohol users. Doesn't the age-old saying, "Prevention is better 
than cure," still make sense? I believe programs could be developed, 
showing the terrible effects of drugs and alcohol, and even smoking 
tobacco, on the vital organs of our bodies and taken into the classrooms 
all across our nation and shown to the children from grade schools right 
through high schools, graphically picturing the end results, which 
ultimately is death.

By eliminating the demand for drugs, the market would diminish and the big 
profits would be reduced. Yes, we would still need treatment facilities for 
those already addicted, but I believe that a part of their recovery program 
should be mandatory, live testimonies presented to our young people in 
schools all over our nation. It even comes down to the parents' level as 
well. When you "light up" in front of your little ones, aren't you saying, 
"It's OK to damage your beautiful pink lungs with black tars and to spend 
your hard-earned money to destroy your body"? Is it right to teach our 
children that it's OK to drink and drive and point a two-ton projectile 
down the street toward innocent victims? The danger therein is far greater 
than firing small pellets of lead on a school campus. Think about it.

As taxpayers, shouldn't we be concerned about the health and welfare of our 
children and how our tax dollars should be spent? Come on, parents, let's 
get our priorities in line and start by donating that $3-a-pack money 
toward preventive education.

Drugs, alcohol and tobacco take more lives annually than all the deaths by 
airplane crashes all over the world.

It's safer to fly with a sober pilot than to share the space with someone 
on a high from drugs or alcohol.

Jim Lyons, Twin Falls
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