Pubdate: Thu, 16 Oct 2003
Source: Jackson Sun News (TN)
Copyright: 2003 The Jackson Sun
Contact:  http://www.jacksonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1482

IT'S TIME FOR SERIOUS TALK ON A SANE DRUG POLICY

Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh's admission last week to 
his nationwide audience that he was addicted to prescription painkillers 
took courage. We applaud Limbaugh's decision to seek treatment. But his 
moment of confession shouldn't be the end of the discussion. Limbaugh's mea 
culpa presents a perfect opportunity to have a meaningful discussion about 
this nation's drug policy. It's an opportunity we shouldn't pass up.

Limbaugh's situation is hardly unique. Millions of Americans are currently 
addicted to illegal drugs. Current social and health costs for those 
addicted to drugs is $66.9 billion a year, according to the Narcanon of 
Southern California Web site. Researchers estimate that 70 percent of all 
crimes committed in the United States are drug-related.

Despite these statistics, America's drug policy remains alarmingly 
draconian. Instead of treating the root of the problem - the addiction - 
our nation still prefers to lock up addicts and throw away the key. In many 
states, including Tennessee, access to treatment remains severely limited.

Clearly, our current approach isn't working. It's time to have serious 
discussions about providing treatment for sick addicts. It's time to take a 
look at creating alternative sentencing options to keep these people out of 
prison. Perhaps now that Limbaugh has experienced the agonies of addiction 
himself, he will cease with his harsh rhetoric of "convict them and send 
them up the river." We hope so. Then he could use his bully pulpit to help 
others by leading the national discussion.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart