Pubdate: Thu, 26 Sep 2002
Source: Billings Gazette, The (MT)
Copyright: 2002 The Billings Gazette
Contact:  http://www.billingsgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/515
Author: Jennifer McKee

STATE DRUG REPORT URGES TREATMENT

HELENA - Montana needs more drug treatment, not a "War on Drugs," to stem 
what has been called an epidemic of addiction, says the final report of a 
group formed last year to find solutions to the state's growing drug and 
alcohol problem.

"We don't feel the war analogy is necessarily appropriate," said Sen. Duane 
Grimes, R-Clancy, who headed the group. "We don't have enough resources or 
manpower to do it. Law enforcement support alone will never solve the problem."

The group, which has been meeting for eight months, gave its final report 
Wednesday to Gov. Judy Martz and Attorney General Mike McGrath. The two 
officials jointly formed the group last year to study drug and alcohol use 
and try to find some way of dealing with the problem. Among their 
recommendations: The state needs to establish a department-level drug czar 
to oversee funding and policy on alcohol and drugs. The state needs to pay 
for two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. The state should also 
stiffen underage drinking laws and change the legal definition of drunk.

While both Martz and McGrath said they were pleased - with McGrath adding 
he was somewhat surprised - by the group's recommendations, both said it 
will be difficult to get money out of the Legislature this session for drug 
treatment, given that the state is looking at a $250 million budget 
shortfall. "It's going to be very difficult," McGrath said. "But it costs 
$20,000 to keep someone in prison for a year. That's a pretty expensive 
alternative."

Martz, who said the state may encounter tough financial times for another 
two years, said she's looking to the federal government for help.

Grimes acknowledged that a "drug war" is easier to sell to the public that 
treatment and prevention, but pointed out that the iron-fist approach to 
drugs and alcohol not only doesn't really stop the problem, but is also 
much more expensive.

"We have to spend money on treatment so we don't have to build any more 
Shelby's," he said, referring to the state's new privately-run prison on 
the Hi-Line. The report showed that every dollar spent on treatment and 
prevention saves seven dollars down the road on "societal costs."

Several teenagers who are former addicts also spoke at the event. They 
agreed that jail was a bad place to get sober and remain that way.

"Jail is the worst place," said Vinny Lausch, a 16-year-old from Missoula 
undergoing treatment for marijuana use.

Grimes said he thought "forced treatment," while somewhat controversial, 
actually does work and should be state practice. As for paying for the 
plan, the report suggested addicts themselves pick up some of the tab.
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