Pubdate: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX) Copyright: 2002 San Antonio Express-News Contact: http://www.mysanantonio.com/expressnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/384 Author: Elaine Aradillas DRUG CZAR VISITS REHABILITATION CENTER Cynthia Romero, a 19-year-old heroin addict, is one of a million reasons why the director of national drug control policy spoke to a couple of hundred people Tuesday at a faith-based rehabilitation center on the West Side. More than 4 million Americans reported having a substance abuse or dependence problem in 2000, according to reports from the drug control policy office in Washington. The U.S. drug czar, John P. Walters, who was appointed by President Bush in December, said the nation's drug control strategy includes stopping drug use before it starts, especially among teens. "We need to stop young people going down the path that leads to addiction," Walters said. "Don't look the other way when people need your help. Lend a hand." Walters selected the faith-based Victory Fellowship as a backdrop for his weeklong, three-city tour across Texas and Mexico because he believes the 30-year-old program should stand as a model for successful grass-roots and community outreach programs nationwide. The administration has proposed adding $1.6 billion over the next five years for drug treatment. The plan aims to reduce illegal drug use by 10 percent in two years, and 25 percent in five years. Romero grew up hearing about the program rooted in her neighborhood. About 2 a.m. Sunday, she began praying for relief from her 2-year-old habit. Hours later, Romero and her boyfriend walked into the center looking for help. Women counselors, themselves recovering addicts, are standing by Romero 24 hours a day for three days offering support. She has tried other rehabilitation programs without success. This time, Romero said she hopes it's different. "I don't feel sick. I feel real good," she said. "This is a good place." Outside in temperatures nearing the century mark, a woman and more than a dozen men shouted testimonials into a microphone for the masses gathered underneath a pop-up tent. At the end of the hourlong tent revival, men wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "Addicted to Jesus" and "Outcry in the Barrio" gathered around Walters, placed their hands upon him and prayed. Afterward, Walters took a tour of the home where Romero was resting in her twin bed. She said she wants the government to see the success of this program because others are searching for help. "There's a lot of people in other towns, in other cities, who need help," she said with tired, puffy eyes. "This is a good program. I know it will help a lot of people." - --- MAP posted-by: Alex