TREATMENT IS BEST WAY TO FIGHT DRUGS We're all aware of the increase in drug abuse in our area and the problems caused by it. A tremendous amount of our tax dollars are spent on law enforcement, crime-related costs, court costs, jail, medical costs, lost productivity, children of addicts, etc. A lot of our money goes toward the result of drug abuse, but very little toward the treatment. We do not have the treatment facilities needed in our area. What few are here can't meet the need. We all want the same results: our tax dollars to be spent in productive ways, the problems associated with drug abuse to decrease, our children and grandchildren to live in an area where there are fewer drug-related problems and crimes. I read for every $1 spent on treatment there is a $7.50 reduction in drug-related crime and court costs. The need is here. Our leaders and elected officials need to look at the whole picture and analyze the situation. Is it possible to spend less money and have much more productive results? We have to turn this problem around, to correct what we can and give our children a brighter and safer future. Treatment is our only answer. Debby Hibbard Kenova
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