ARMY TRAINING FOR ADDICTS

ALL measures suggested so far to solve the drug-user problems seem to be
short-term, having no long-term impact on this major community concern.

I am proposing that when drug users are arrested, we should utilise
resources like those that could be provided by the Australian Defence Force
to remove them from their drug addiction environment.

The facilities and personnel provided by the army could be used to give
drug users the necessary discipline and training to rebuild their
self-respect and expose them to a trade or vocation to prepare them for
reintroduction into the community and a more meaningful direction and
future in life.

These people are caught in a vicious circle which can only be broken by
removing them from the easy access and temptation

As a teenager, I was in the school cadets for a number of years and this
involved spending two weeks each year at any camp. Exposure to this basic
training helped establish the self-discipline, self-respect and values I
have used in my family and community life.

I am sure programs can be formulated to suit the needs of all drug users.

It could take six to 12 months, or longer in certain cases, but I believe
these people would come out with greater self-confidence and self-respect
and with community-oriented values.

John Lanphier,
McKinnon