Pubdate: Thu, 12 Apr 2007
Source: News-Press (Fort Myers, FL)
Copyright: 2007 The News-Press
Contact:  http://www.news-press.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1133
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n430/a01.html
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

POSITIVE STANCE ON REHAB

Thank you for making the case for substance abuse treatment in your 
April 3 editorial, "Score big against addiction." The 
tough-on-some-drugs approach is part of the problem. Illegal drug 
users are reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an 
overdose for fear of being charged with a crime.

Attempting to save the life of a friend could result in a murder 
charge. Overzealous drug enforcement results in easily preventable 
deaths. Rehabilitation also is confounded. I think it's safe to say 
that turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather low if 
alcoholism were a crime pursued with zero tolerance zeal.

Eliminating the penalties associated with illicit drug abuse would 
encourage the type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate 
rehabilitation and save lives. Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, DC 
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman