Pubdate: Sun, 03 Jan 2016
Source: Washington Post (DC)
Copyright: 2016 The Washington Post Company
Contact:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/491
Author: Linda Gore
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n729/a05.html

STOPPING ILLEGAL DRUG USE ISN'T SO EASY

Danielle Allen's recommendation in her Dec. 30 op-ed, "We already 
know how to win the war on drugs," to model the U.S. approach to 
illegal substances on the handling of tobacco, has a glaring logical 
flaw: Seriously addicted tobacco users can function effectively as 
workers, parents and citizens. There is no deformation of judgment 
and character inherent in tobacco addiction.

As those who have dealt with addicts or with their families know, 
addiction to cocaine, opiates and similar substances produces 
behavioral changes that destroy the work and family lives of those addicted.

The "war on drugs" has been unsuccessful in reducing abuse and 
addiction. More funds for treatment and prevention are badly needed; 
however, new and creative policies will not be built on ignoring the 
devastation of personal functioning inherent in drug addiction.

Linda Gore, Gaithersburg
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom