Pubdate: Sun, 17 Nov 2002
Source: Miami Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2002 The Miami Herald
Contact:  http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/262
Author: Anthony Lorenzo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

PREVENTION IS BETTER

Re the Nov. 10 article America's new heroin epidemic: It's great that fewer 
people are dying from drug abuse.

Florida drug czar James McDonough is incorrect in claiming that crackdowns 
in law enforcement are having an impact. In fact, the Rand Corporation 
found that trying to deal with drug abuse using criminal justice is 15 
times more expensive and less effective than treatment and prevention.

Treatment and education are the best tools to keep our children safe and 
should be properly credited as the reasons for improvements. McDonough's 
assertions show how out of touch the government is with reality.

Anthony Lorenzo, Tampa
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager