Pubdate: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 Source: Blade, The (OH) Copyright: 2002 The Blade Contact: http://www.toledoblade.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/48 Author: Carroll Parks Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) STRATEGIES IN WAR ON DRUG ABUSE The Blade has reported on at least three occasions that major quantities of marijuana, cocaine, and heroin were seized by our local law enforcement officials. This is a strong indication of the prevalence of illegal drug activity in our area. I believe our law enforcement officials deserve to be applauded for their hard work to decrease the supply of illegal drugs in our area. The sad reality of the prevalence of drug use, abuse, possession, and addiction is all around us. It is a known fact that many drug users turn to possessing and selling drugs to maintain their addiction. While supply-side strategies to decrease the availability of drugs is a good strategy, we also need to have a balanced demand-side strategy. If the individuals arrested during these three occasions are convicted and incarcerated, eventually they will need some form of drug treatment to decrease their likelihood of returning to illegal activities. If treatment services are not available, they will most likely return to such activities, which costs taxpayers additional money for jail/prison days, legal costs, etc. The cost for a treatment episode is far less than the cost for a year in jail or prison. It is time for us, as Lucas County citizens, to support the demand-side strategies by voting "yes" for Issue 3. This will allow Lucas County providers to provide prevention, intervention, and treatment services as demand-side strategies. The use, abuse, and addiction to drugs is a community problem that requires community support. CARROLL PARKS President/CEO ,Substance Abuse Services, Inc., Adams Street - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel