Pubdate: Tue, 12 Nov 2002 Source: Rutland Herald (VT) Copyright: 2002 Rutland Herald Contact: http://rutlandherald.nybor.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/892 THE DRUG PROBLEM The extraordinary public discussion that has been taking place in Rutland about the region's drug problem is a result of the constructive, community-spirited work of those involved in Rutland United Neighborhoods. Turnout at RUN's events, including recent community discussions, has been high, with people from all parts of the community involved. At one session a drug addict was sitting next to the state's attorney whose office had prosecuted her case. Police, students, health care workers, parents - all have a stake in addressing the problem of drugs. Of course, those with the most at stake are the addicts themselves. The community's efforts to confront the problem of drugs are a necessary first step. Acknowledging the problem in its many forms is essential. For one thing, it is important for people in the community to recognize that the abusers in our midst are not an alien population. They are our sons and daughters, our neighbors and friends. Because the source of most of the hard drugs in the community is Massachusetts, New York or Connecticut, dealers and addicts from downcountry have made their way here. But there are hundreds of addicts in our communities, and they are mainly Vermonters ensnared in their destructive downward spiral. Recent discussions by RUN have helped the community confront the reality of alcohol and drug abuse and the toll it is taking. But talking is not enough. Action is needed to confront the problem of drug abuse. The difficulty of addressing the problem could be seen in previous months when members of the community organized to resist establishment of a methadone clinic at Rutland Regional Medical Center. For many of the addicts in the community, methadone would provide a way to stabilize their lives and work toward getting clean. But there were fears in the community that such a clinic would attract addicts to Rutland. Opposition from the community and lack of money from the state stalled the project. But it will do no good to acknowledge the problem of addiction and then refuse to take the necessary steps to address the problem. It will be important for the Rutland community to pay close attention to the operations of a new methadone clinic in Burlington. The success or failure of the Burlington clinic could either allay or confirm fears among skeptics in Rutland. Meanwhile, state policymakers must recognize that the foundation exists in the Rutland community for progress in addressing the drug problem. When he was secretary of human services, Cornelius Hogan said that for the state to take additional action against drug abuse, communities would have to be involved. Rutland is involved. Now is the time for bold action to establish the facilities and dedicate the resources to addressing the problem. A wide spectrum of the community understands the need for more treatment options for addicts of all kinds, including alcoholics and heroin addicts. The police have been among the most outspoken supporters of expanded treatment. They understand their enforcement efforts are futile without the resources in the community to break the cycle of addiction. Gov.-elect James Douglas should be giving serious consideration, not just to the expansion of the state police, but to the expansion of a full range of treatment options, particularly for young people. Rutland, which is establishing a drug court and which has engaged in an exemplary community dialogue, could lead the way. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth