Pubdate: Sun, 10 Aug 2003 Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS) Copyright: 2003 The Clarion-Ledger Contact: http://www.clarionledger.com/about/letters.html Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805 Cited: Mississippi Drug Facts: http://www.clarionledger.com/news/0308/10/lperse-toid1.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) MISSISSIPPI HAS HOMEGROWN WOES As shown in today's Perspective section, Mississippi has its own homegrown problems with illegal drugs. Importation from other countries is a problem, as seizures of drugs such as cocaine and marijuana from Colombia and Mexico are intercepted here. I-20, for example, is considered a corridor for drugs from the west to the Eastern Seaboard, say officials, just as a "drug pipeline" is said to exist north/south to Chicago. But of greater concern, as shown, both crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, both highly addictive drugs, can be made and sold in large quantities locally, addicting our children and promoting crime. Their manufacture and use are sources of tremendous human misery - from destruction of families, violence, psychological and physical stress, to increased pressure on police, courts and human resource agencies. For example, drugs (including alcohol) are believed involved in more than 70 percent of crimes, with at least a third of prison inmates - 6,000 or more - serving time involving such abuse. The 2003 Legislature took a step in the right direction in addressing this problem by approving a bill for the creation of drug courts specifically for first-time drug offenders. Its benefits: 1) taxpayers don't have to pay to house drug offenders in prison; 2) by offering drug treatment and supervised probation, offenders can be turned around so they can support themselves and their families. But that's only part of the needed solutions. In addition to stout law enforcement to apprehend dealers, Mississippi needs greater access to public mental health and drug treatment facilities to help families and individuals hooked on drugs, without criminal justice system involvement. Many, perhaps most, of those addicted are funneled into treatment through action by or the threat of action by authorities. But it should be easier for families to seek help without threat of criminal charges or a criminal record. These are items the 2004 Legislature should address: 1) supporting statewide drug courts; 2) reviewing law enforcement efforts to ensure enough resources given; 3) reviewing public mental health/chemical dependency options. Mississippi Drug Facts: http://www.clarionledger.com/news/0308/10/lperse-toid1.html - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin