Pubdate: Mon, 25 Mar 2002 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2002 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.uniontrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Authors: Gretchen Burns Bergman, Connie Dahl Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n572/a04.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm(Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act) IT'S TIME TO SPEAK UP ON NEED FOR DRUG TREATMENT Re: "Shunned by society" (Editorial, March 21): Treatment is a logical and humane solution to our nation's devastating health problem, addiction. California voters realized that when they overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36 in November 2000, mandating treatment instead of incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders. Unfortunately, as you note, small vocal groups, who are often motivated by fear and ignorance, often overwhelm politicians to our detriment. Drug use and drug deals are occurring in most of our neighborhoods. It is time to realize that the problem of substance abuse impacts all of us, and that the only solution is recovery and rehabilitation. We must reach out to our local politicians to let them know that the majority of their constituency wants, and needs, community-based treatment. GRETCHEN BURNS BERGMAN Rancho Santa Fe ----- Money spent on alcohol and drug treatment is an investment toward reducing other problems, including crime and violence. Every dollar spent on treatment has shown a return of $4 to $7 in reduced drug-related crime and court costs. There are numerous well-run, quality alcohol and drug treatment facilities in San Diego County that are licensed, adhere to high standards and have gained reputations for being good neighbors. Yet, when new or expanded treatment facilities are proposed, fear and ignorance often result in screams of "Not in my back yard!" Well, then, where? Would it be so inappropriate to call upon each and every city in the county to share in establishing treatment facilities that would be within the reach of its residents? CONNIE DAHL San Diego - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel