GETTING TO THE HEART OF ADDICTION PROBLEM (2 OF 4)

The Sun's editorial "Drug addiction fuels murderous trend" discussed the
different drug-treatment approaches advocated by Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy
Townsend and Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke. But neither approach would
substantially reduce drug-related crime and law enforcement costs because
they would be compromised by failed U.S. drug policy.

Paradoxically, the federal drug prohibition has given adults and minors easy
access to adulterated but expensive drugs -- promoting addiction,
criminality, incarceration and bad health.

The federal government should reduce its presence in drug policy. It
repealed alcohol prohibition after its ruinous consequences became apparent.
Alcohol-use policy administered by the states has been a marked improvement.

Repealing federal laws prohibiting drugs would allow the states to seek
health-based solutions to drug abuse and reduce the costs connected with the
punitive approach.

Kevin Fansler, Havre de Grace