Pubdate: Thu, 13 Dec 2007
Source: Times, The (Tigard, OR)
Copyright: 2007 Pamplin Media Group
Contact:  http://www.tigardtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4636
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1386/a07.html
Author: Robert Sharpe

EFFECTS OF METH MAY DETER YOUTH

How should Oregon respond to illicit methamphetamine use? During the 
crack epidemic of the 1980s, New York City chose the zero tolerance 
approach, opting to arrest and prosecute as many offenders as 
possible. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry was smoking 
crack and America's capital had the highest per capita murder rate in 
the country. Yet crack use declined in both cities simultaneously.

Simply put, the younger generation saw firsthand what crack was doing 
to their older brothers and sisters and decided for themselves that 
crack was bad news.

This is not to say nothing can be done about meth. Access to drug 
treatment is critical for the current generation of meth users. 
Diverting resources away from prisons and into cost-effective 
treatment would save both tax dollars and lives.

ROBERT SHARPE, MPA

Policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom