Pubdate: Mon, 25 Mar 2002
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2002 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.uniontrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Authors: Gretchen Burns Bergman, Connie Dahl
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n572/a04.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm(Substance Abuse and Crime 
Prevention Act)

IT'S TIME TO SPEAK UP ON NEED FOR DRUG TREATMENT

Re: "Shunned by society" (Editorial, March 21):

Treatment is a logical and humane solution to our nation's devastating 
health problem, addiction. California voters realized that when they 
overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36 in November 2000, mandating treatment 
instead of incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders.

Unfortunately, as you note, small vocal groups, who are often motivated by 
fear and ignorance, often overwhelm politicians to our detriment.

Drug use and drug deals are occurring in most of our neighborhoods. It is 
time to realize that the problem of substance abuse impacts all of us, and 
that the only solution is recovery and rehabilitation.

We must reach out to our local politicians to let them know that the 
majority of their constituency wants, and needs, community-based treatment.

GRETCHEN BURNS BERGMAN

Rancho Santa Fe

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Money spent on alcohol and drug treatment is an investment toward reducing 
other problems, including crime and violence. Every dollar spent on 
treatment has shown a return of $4 to $7 in reduced drug-related crime and 
court costs.

There are numerous well-run, quality alcohol and drug treatment facilities 
in San Diego County that are licensed, adhere to high standards and have 
gained reputations for being good neighbors. Yet, when new or expanded 
treatment facilities are proposed, fear and ignorance often result in 
screams of "Not in my back yard!" Well, then, where?

Would it be so inappropriate to call upon each and every city in the county 
to share in establishing treatment facilities that would be within the 
reach of its residents?

CONNIE DAHL

San Diego
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MAP posted-by: Ariel