IT'S TIME FOR SERIOUS TALK ON A SANE DRUG POLICY

Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh's admission last week to
his nationwide audience that he was addicted to prescription painkillers
took courage. We applaud Limbaugh's decision to seek treatment. But his
moment of confession shouldn't be the end of the discussion. Limbaugh's mea
culpa presents a perfect opportunity to have a meaningful discussion about
this nation's drug policy. It's an opportunity we shouldn't pass up.

Limbaugh's situation is hardly unique. Millions of Americans are currently
addicted to illegal drugs. Current social and health costs for those
addicted to drugs is $66.9 billion a year, according to the Narcanon of
Southern California Web site. Researchers estimate that 70 percent of all
crimes committed in the United States are drug-related.

Despite these statistics, America's drug policy remains alarmingly
draconian. Instead of treating the root of the problem - the addiction -
our nation still prefers to lock up addicts and throw away the key. In many
states, including Tennessee, access to treatment remains severely limited.

Clearly, our current approach isn't working. It's time to have serious
discussions about providing treatment for sick addicts. It's time to take a
look at creating alternative sentencing options to keep these people out of
prison. Perhaps now that Limbaugh has experienced the agonies of addiction
himself, he will cease with his harsh rhetoric of "convict them and send
them up the river." We hope so. Then he could use his bully pulpit to help
others by leading the national discussion.