Pubdate: Sun, 08 Feb 2004
Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal (FL)
Copyright: 2004 News-Journal Corp
Contact:  http://www.n-jcenter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/700
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n177/a05.html

TREATMENT WORKS BETTER THAN PRISON

Re "Out of prison: Too few find helping hand after release," editorial, 
Jan. 27:

As policy analyst for Common Sense for Drug Policy, I believe the editorial 
was right on target. If harsh penalties served to deter illicit drug use, 
the elusive goal of a "drug-free" America would have been achieved decades 
ago. Instead of adding to what is already the highest incarceration rate in 
the world, we should be funding cost-effective drug treatment.

A study conducted by the RAND Corp. found that every dollar invested in 
substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48 in societal costs. There is 
far more at stake than tax dollars. The drug war is not the promoter of 
family values that some would have us believe.

Children of inmates are at risk of educational failure, joblessness, 
addiction and delinquency. Not only do the children lose out, but society 
as a whole does, too. Incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders alongside 
hardened criminals is the equivalent of providing them with a 
taxpayer-funded education in criminal behavior.

Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste of tax 
dollars. It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and begin 
treating all substance abuse, legal or otherwise, as the public health 
problem it is. Destroying the futures and families of citizens who make 
unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone.

ROBERT SHARPE

Arlington, Va.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman