Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jul 2002
Source: Oregonian, The (OR)
Copyright: 2002 The Oregonian
Contact:  http://www.oregonlive.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324
Author: Richard E. Bayer, MD
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG WAR LACKS COMMON SENSE

The July 18 article "Adult warnings about drugs curb teen use, study shows" 
says that drug use is cut in half among students who participate in 
extracurricular school programs. Common sense says Americans should want 
students to participate in such programs.

Sadly, there is no common sense in America's war on drugs. The U.S. Supreme 
Court now says it is OK to randomly humiliate students by making them 
urinate in a cup to be tested for drugs to join the band or chess club.

It is medically immoral to create more barriers to extracurricular 
activities when we acknowledge these activities are effective prevention.

The logical conclusion is that this war has little to do with helping youth 
avoid drugs and everything to do with identifying and ostracizing those 
considered politically incorrect. Instead of drug tests and arrests, 
Americans need improved access to treatment and more effective prevention 
methods, including extracurricular school programs.

RICHARD E. BAYER, M.D. Southwest Portland
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MAP posted-by: Jackl