Pubdate: Tue, 07 Jan 2003 Source: Register-Herald, The (WV) Copyright: 2003 The Register-Herald Contact: http://www.register-herald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441 Author: Robert Sharpe TIME TO DECLARE PEACE IN THE FAILED DRUG WAR Thank you for raising awareness of the life-saving potential of drug treatment with your Dec. 26 article on Beckley's Mother Program. A study conducted by the RAND Corporation found that every dollar invested in substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.46 in societal costs. There is far more at stake than tax dollars. The drug war is not the promoter of family values that some would have us believe. Children of inmates are at risk of educational failure, joblessness, addiction and delinquency. Not only do the children lose out, but society as a whole does too. Incarcerating non-violent drug offenders along side hardened criminals is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education in criminal behavior. Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste of tax dollars. It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and begin treating all substance abuse, legal or otherwise, as the public health problem it is. Destroying the futures and families of citizens who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone. Robert Sharpe Program Officer Drug Policy Alliance Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth