A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH TO DRUGS

REGARDING your editorial on the passage of Proposition 36 (Opinion, Nov.
20), implementation may be difficult, but the shift toward public health
approaches to substance abuse is long overdue. With violent crime rates
continuing along a downward trend, the drug war is the main reason the
United States now has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Putting
Americans with substance abuse problems behind bars with hardened criminals
is dangerous. According to research published in American Psychologist,
about one-fourth of those initially imprisoned for non-violent crimes are
sentenced for a second time for committing a violent offense. Whatever else
it reflects, this pattern highlights the possibility that prison serves to
transmit violent habits and values rather than to reduce them.

The United States is making a big mistake by criminalizing illicit substance
abuse. Imagine if every alcoholic in America were denied treatment due to
lack of funds. Now take that one step further. Imagine if every alcoholic
were thrown in jail and given a permanent criminal record. How many lives
would be destroyed? How many families torn apart ? How many tax dollars
would be wasted turning potentially productive members of society into
hardened criminals? It's time to rethink the failed drug war. The growing
number of Americans who favor public health approaches to substance abuse
are looking to California to lead the way.

Robert Sharpe
Program officer,
Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation
Washington, D.C.