Pubdate: Thu, 28 Feb 2002
Source: Beacon Journal, The (OH)
Copyright: 2002 The Beacon Journal Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/6
Author: Elinore Marsh Stormer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

DRUG COURT IS DOING THE JOB

Dave Michon's Feb. 15 letter headlined "Why a special court for drug 
addiction?" was so far off the mark that one must assume deliberate 
obfuscation. While drug addiction is a disease and should be treated as 
such, it is the only disease I can think of that results from illegal activity.

The first time a person uses cocaine, he or she is "disease free." Through 
continued use and neurobiology, he or she creates the disease.

It was also a bit precious to overlook the multitude of social problems 
that follow drug addiction and compare this to cancer. I've never heard of 
a cancer patient stealing or abandoning his or her children in search of 
cancer; only drug addicts commit such crimes while in search of the drug.

Treatment works, but for those who commit crimes it works best under court 
supervision. Local and national statistics bear this out. Those who do not 
commit crimes don't need us.

Michon also facetiously mentioned mental-health issues. Here, Akron is 
ahead of the curve: We also have a mental-health treatment court for those 
who commit crimes and need assistance in treating an underlying mental 
illness. This and the drug court attack the cause of the crime, assisting 
offenders to a crime-free life while helping them get control of their disease.

Elinore Marsh Stormer

Akron

Editor's note: The writer is a judge in the Akron Municipal Court.
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