Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2011
Source: Times, The  (Munster IN)
Copyright: 2011 The Munster Times
Contact:  http://www.nwitimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/832

MORE RESOURCES NEEDED TO FIGHT DRUGS

Subtle reminders of the vast extent of the illegal drug problem are 
around us, yet we too often overlook them.

Drug-related crimes, including thefts from homes and vehicles, are 
filling our jails and driving up the cost of the criminal justice system.

But for many, the signs are more obvious. They see the effects of 
addiction on the faces of loved ones and are anguished by the 
difficulty in helping those friends and family members escape the 
grip of drug abuse. Many families, rich and poor alike, are facing 
this same struggle.

Illegal drug use is a deadly serious problem in the region.

In Porter County, there were 17 heroin-related deaths last year, up 
from seven the year before. In Lake County, too, the numbers show 
that heroin use is on the rise.

And from all signs, the drug problem isn't improving.

"We are above average in almost every drug, in almost every grade," 
Valparaiso University professor Larry Baas said in June when he 
summarized the 2011 Porter County Epidemiological Profile. The VU 
Community Research and Service Center, which Baas directs, did the study.

The three main responses to the illegal drug problem are law 
enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention. All three require 
additional attention, but focus more on prevention and rehabilitation 
for best results.

Keeping young people away from drugs is the most effective, yet it's 
more difficult than it sounds.

The Porter County drug report didn't just report the extent of the 
problem; it gave recommendations as well. Getting children involved 
in other activities, before they are tempted to turn to drugs, is 
essential. Team sports, academic clubs and other organizations are 
helpful. After-school tutoring and other programs offer promise as well.

Press forward on community efforts to keep people, especially youths, 
involved in healthy activities and away from drugs

There has been much discussion over the years of legalizing drugs and 
putting them under state control the way alcoholic beverages were 
after Prohibition. But surrendering in the war on drugs is tantamount 
to condoning their use. That must not happen.

Instead, use law enforcement to get people into treatment programs, 
whether behind bars or during probation. Sending people to jail 
without helping them break the grip of addiction is a costly and 
inefficient response.

Our region's future depends on making progress in the war on drugs. 
That will require the effort of everyone to report suspected drug 
dealers, to help encourage healthy choices and to get addicts into 
treatment programs.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom