DRUG CZAR VISITS REHABILITATION CENTER

Cynthia Romero, a 19-year-old heroin addict, is one of a million reasons
why the director of national drug control policy spoke to a couple of
hundred people Tuesday at a faith-based rehabilitation center on the West Side.

More than 4 million Americans reported having a substance abuse or
dependence problem in 2000, according to reports from the drug control
policy office in Washington.

The U.S. drug czar, John P. Walters, who was appointed by President Bush in
December, said the nation's drug control strategy includes stopping drug
use before it starts, especially among teens.

"We need to stop young people going down the path that leads to addiction,"
Walters said. "Don't look the other way when people need your help. Lend a
hand."

Walters selected the faith-based Victory Fellowship as a backdrop for his
weeklong, three-city tour across Texas and Mexico because he believes the
30-year-old program should stand as a model for successful grass-roots and
community outreach programs nationwide.

The administration has proposed adding $1.6 billion over the next five
years for drug treatment. The plan aims to reduce illegal drug use by 10
percent in two years, and 25 percent in five years.

Romero grew up hearing about the program rooted in her neighborhood. About
2 a.m. Sunday, she began praying for relief from her 2-year-old habit.
Hours later, Romero and her boyfriend walked into the center looking for help.

Women counselors, themselves recovering addicts, are standing by Romero 24
hours a day for three days offering support. She has tried other
rehabilitation programs without success. This time, Romero said she hopes
it's different.

"I don't feel sick. I feel real good," she said. "This is a good place."

Outside in temperatures nearing the century mark, a woman and more than a
dozen men shouted testimonials into a microphone for the masses gathered
underneath a pop-up tent.

At the end of the hourlong tent revival, men wearing T-shirts emblazoned
with "Addicted to Jesus" and "Outcry in the Barrio" gathered around
Walters, placed their hands upon him and prayed.

Afterward, Walters took a tour of the home where Romero was resting in her
twin bed. She said she wants the government to see the success of this
program because others are searching for help.

"There's a lot of people in other towns, in other cities, who need help,"
she said with tired, puffy eyes. "This is a good program. I know it will
help a lot of people."