Pubdate: Thu, 22 May 2003
Source: Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC)
Copyright: 2003 The Herald-Sun
Contact:  http://www.herald-sun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428
Author: Robert Sharpe

TIME TO DECLARE PEACE IN FAILED WAR ON DRUGS

The reopening of the Oakleigh substance abuse treatment program at Durham 
Regional Hospital would ultimately save taxpayers money. 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 alongside 
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. Drug abuse is bad, but the drug 
war is worse.

The writer is a program officer at the Drug Policy Alliance in Washington, D.C.

ROBERT SHARPE

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Beth