GETTING TO THE HEART OF ADDICTION PROBLEM (3 OF 4)

As a person who has had a long-term interest in substance abuse issues, I
appreciated The Sun`s editorials on the city's drug problem.

However, my experience indicates that The Sun's analysis does not go to the
heart of the problem.

Even when adequate drug treatment is available, addicts' recidivism rates
often run to 80 percent.

New ways of dealing with substance abuse prevention need to be found.

The existence of the very large substance abuse industry has been a
deterrent to the development of such new directions. My work and other
research has shown that the spiritual dimension is crucial in any substance
abuse treatment program, yet expensive treatment programs often ignore it.

As we expand the prevention services available, we must examine new ways of
treating substance abuse.

Rabbi Martin, Siegel Columbia

The writer is president of the Institute on Behavioral Health and Spirituality.