QUELLING DRUG SCOURGE

Everybody knows drug and alcohol abuse are bad, but
that hasn't stopped Colorado from being rated second-worst in the
nation for alcohol problems and 14th worst for drug problems.

So while it's hard to get excited about any expansion of government,
Denver's addition of a drug coordinator is a step in the right direction.

Adam Brickner, head of the successful Denver Drug Court for the past
two years, now will try to curb substance abuse and improve treatment
services in the city.

Brickner wants to compile complete information on all Denver treatment
centers and make it widely available. This is essential since about 75
percent of drug abusers never enter the criminal justice system. If
they're going to get treatment, they must know what's available.

Likewise, Denver residents need enlightenment on the perils of drug
and alcohol abuse. So Brickner also will focus on how to spread the
word about the dangers and warning signs of sub stance abuse. He plans
to enlist help from schools, churches, recreation and community
centers and any other entities that can help.

The drug coordinator's priorities will be prevention and education,
treatment and enforcement. Enforcement already is effective through
the Drug Court, which prescribes treatment rather than jail time
whenever possible. But Brickner sees the need for a Family Drug Court,
where abusers can get treatment and family members can learn how to
support the push for clean and sober living.

Brickner hopes his efforts can reduce the onset of substance abuse -
meaning drugs, alcohol and tobacco - and improve Colorado's ranking as
a state severely troubled by drug problems and second only to New
Mexico for alcohol problems.

The so-called War on Drugs has done nothing to stop substance abuse as
a scourge in our society. We believe pro-active efforts such as
Brickner's will prove far more effective, and we wish him luck on his
quest.