Pubdate: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI) Contact: 2002 Honolulu Star-Bulletin Website: http://www.starbulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196 Author: Alan Shinn Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1082/a01.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) COORDINATION NEEDED TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE The June 12 Star-Bulletin article on the 2001 ADAM (Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring program) report on the dramatic use-levels of "ice" (crystal methamphetamine) by arrested males in Honolulu begs the question of why Hawaii has such a high rate of use and what can be done to address it. Accessibility of drugs, biological and environmental factors all contribute to a person's drug use and whether or not he/she will become addicted. What also needs to be factored in is the initial decision for the drug user to "use or not use." The field of prevention is relatively new. Single-strategy efforts of the '80s, such as "Just Say No", have few proven results 10-15 years later. Current research shows that programs that develop a range of social and personal skills in the school, family and community are significantly lowering rates of drug use in participants. These kinds of programs need to be further tested with Hawaii's communities and local programs that incorporate cultural values and practices. President Bush's FY2003 recommended budget calls for a drastic $45 million reduction for the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the federal government's preeminent prevention agency. The Coalition For A Drug-Free Hawaii feels the reduction is unwarranted and will cut short its newly instituted Ho'omau (Strengthening Hawaii Families) program, which serves five elementary schools and more than 200 youths and families on Oahu. We can only hope to solve the ice problem in Hawaii with coordinated strategies that include prevention programs supported by adequate resources and given time to prove their effectiveness. Alan Shinn, Executive director, Coalition For A Drug-Free Hawaii - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk