EFFECTIVE WEAPONS

Your conclusion that America's drug solution should be centered mostly on
demand reduction is right on the money. However, we already have a handle
on our most effective weapons: prevention and treatment.

Getting more addicts into treatment is a remarkably effective way to treat
the disease of drug addiction. But as with any disease, if treatment is
good, prevention is better. It must start in the home, with parents talking
with kids about the risks and dangers of illegal drugs.

Prevention efforts also must continue to include the media. Since the
launch of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign in 1998, teen drug
use in America has leveled off or started to decline, and teen attitudes
about drugs have changed markedly for the better.

Demand reduction efforts have helped cut the number of regular drug users
nationwide by 8.5 million since 1985. We must do more, and by keeping our
focus on reducing demand for illegal drugs, we can.

Richard D. Bonnette

President and CEO

Partnership for a Drug-Free America

New York