Pubdate: Tue,  1 May 2001
Source: Union, The (CA)
Copyright: 2001 Nevada County Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/957
Website: http://www.theunion.com/index.html
Author: Debra Rodriguez

ADDICTION IS TREATABLE 

Many in this community have no idea the amount of drug activity that
exists in this county. The reality is that drugs are very much alive and
well in Nevada County. Many of our youth and young adults, along with
their families, are entrenched in this evil. I would venture to say that
95 percent of crimes committed are by individuals under the influence of
drugs or alcohol. (That includes marijuana, for those who think it is a
harmless herb). Public awareness, education of the facts and places to
get treatment are necessary. 

Locking people away in a prison system, rampant with drugs, where there
is no treatment, no counseling, no jobs, no self worth, further
compounds the devastation and problem. I do understand that with
addiction, the person needs to reach their bottom and realize that a
problem exists before treatment can be effective. However, placing them
in mandatory drug education and treatment is necessary. Planting those
first seeds of information, exposing the denial that a problem exists,
is the starting point. Do we quit treating cancer if the first treatment
is ineffective, or the cancer recurs? The answer is no. 

I am not saying that there is no need for locked facilities or prisons.
What I am saying is that there are better ways to solve the problem of
drug abuse in this country. Both in prison and out of prison, change
needs to happen to better serve our country and our community. 

We need more options and a change in the system. Parents need to know
how and where to get early drug intervention. Idle time in our jails and
prisons should be utilized with mandatory classes, groups and work.
Incentives need to be given to encourage treatment. I believe that there
should be testing on all arrests and mandatory drug treatment for all
illegal usage or criminal activity while under the influence. The
disease of addiction affects all walks of life, and treatment should be
available and utilize to combat its effects. In the end, our communities
will benefit and crime will decrease. 

Debra Rodriguez, Grass Valley
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