DRUG-POLICY DEBATE

To the Editor:

Re "Listening to a Change in the Silence," by Joyce Purnick (Metro Matters
column, Aug. 31):

To begin a real debate on drug policy, we must confront our conflicting
attitudes toward problem drug use.

Do we understand it as an involuntary disease, demanding solutions that
focus on treatment and harm reduction, or do we see it as a criminal
justice issue?

If we view problem drug use as a health issue, we must recognize that the
treatment currently available doesn't always work and isn't suitable for
everyone.

According to studies, 30 percent of those who receive treatment fail to
recover.

The answer to inadequate treatment is better treatment, not a resort to the
criminal justice system. After all, we would never jail a cancer patient
when treatment fails to cure.

CORINNE A. CAREY
New York, Aug. 31, 2000

The writer is director, Harm Reduction Project, Urban Justice
Center.

To the Editor:

"Colombia Says Key to Drug Fight Is for U.S. to Tame Demand Here" (front
page, Aug. 30) makes a valid point concerning the importance of investing
in effective drug prevention strategies.

One proven approach is after-school programs.

While research has shown these programs to be highly effective at reducing
adolescent drug use, as many as 15 million children have no access to such
programs because of inadequate financing.

When Congress and President Clinton consider expenditures intended to
reduce the demand for drugs, financing for after-school programs should be
at the top of their list.

LUCY FRIEDMAN
New York, Aug. 30, 2000

The writer is president of the After-School Corporation, a nonprofit group.