Pubdate: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2003 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Rush+Limbaugh Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) LIMBAUGH HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF TREATMENT Messenger-Inquirer Rush Limbaugh's critics have been quick to label him a hypocrite in light of his confession that he's addicted to pain killers. After all, this is the same guy who spoke often about the need for tough drug laws and once said that those who violate these laws should be "sent up" to prison. Talk radio is a breeding ground, in general, for hypocrisy. But in this case, the likely reality is that Limbaugh, like so many other Americans, was simply ignorant to the devastating effects of substance abuse when he made those statements. Substance abuse, like so many other issues, has become overly politicized -- and Limbaugh has been a big part of the problem. He, and others, have grossly oversimplified the issue by pitting liberals versus conservatives. The position of Limbaugh and his followers is that conservatives are tough on crime, so they must support incarceration over treatment when dealing with drug abusers. To not support this position is just further evidence of the moral decaying of our society, the argument goes. If anything good is to come out of this situation, the hope is that it will bring about increased debate about the importance of treatment for addicts and, in many cases, the lack of available resources. It's a debate that's been gaining traction locally in recent months. Judges, elected officials and law enforcement officers, among others, are coming forward to say locking up every single drug offender in this area will never solve Daviess County's drug problem. Without better treatment options, and more education as to what is available, the cycle of drug abuse cannot be broken. And someone like Limbaugh has the influence to make a tremendous difference in this effort, not just in Daviess County, but throughout the country. In admitting his addiction, Limbaugh said he shouldn't be considered a role model. "I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here ... ," he said. Here's hoping he rethinks that position, because, like it or not, he is a role model. The size of his audience is well documented, and the loyalty of that audience to his beliefs is equally legendary. And they'll be listening closely to what he has to say after emerging from rehab. Regardless of how one views Limbaugh's political views, those who know him personally are virtually unanimous in saying he's a good person. At the very least, he certainly doesn't fit the image of a hardcore criminal, as so many addicted to drugs are portrayed. There's a middle ground to be found here. But the same focus must be given to treatment as has been given to enforcement in the so-called "War on Drugs." Limbaugh can help lead this movement, by depoliticizing the debate and putting a human face on the problem. He can show that drug addiction doesn't just strike the weak, lawless, immoral element of society. He can help explain it's a problem that has no regard for a person's race, gender, socioeconomic standing or political beliefs. More than 6 million people in this country are in need of drug treatment, but of those addicts, nearly 5 million didn't get the treatment they needed last year. Rush Limbaugh is one of the lucky ones -- he's getting help. The challenge now is to make sure other addicts who want help are afforded the same opportunity. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk