Pubdate: Sat, 09 Feb 2002 Source: Tribune Review (PA) Copyright: 2002 Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Contact: http://triblive.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/460 Author: Jim Frey START AT HOME I recently resigned from a federal agency involved with the intelligence community and the war on drugs. I was not at a high level in the organization, but I was able to see the effects of the government's processes. When I worked for this agency, I really wanted to believe that we were doing something that mattered. I must be frank: I question the actual efficacy and value that most federal counter-drug agencies provide. I also question how our tax dollars are used. As in many federal agencies, there was a significant amount of ``red tape,'' bureaucracy and delays. I think we often kid ourselves when we believe the government is stopping or even slowing the threat of drugs. I do not pretend to have the answer either. But I would say this: The drug war can't be won only by agencies like the DEA, FBI or the CIA. In our nation and in our own families, we need to become more involved with our children, including discipline, nurturing and education. As parents and adults, we need to educate ourselves as to why young adults get involved with drugs, what the health hazards are and how to prevent addiction. Just being ``present'' in a child's life is one of the best ways to prevent drug abuse. There are no easy answers to this problem. Some Internet resources include www.clubdrugs.org, www.theantidrug.com, www.connectforkids.org. Jim Frey Ligonier - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart