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