DEALING WITH DRUGS

The July 22 op-ed "A Waste of Lives and Money" by David Lewis and June
Osborn, which argues for a greater focus on drug treatment in relation to
enforcement, is a classic example of disinformation.

Yes, 85 percent of police chiefs surveyed by the Police Foundation want a
change in drug policy. But Lewis and Osborn fail to mention that the 85
percent who want policy changes do not favor doing away with or
significantly reducing enforcement. They want to continue enforcement while
adding to treatment and other alternatives.

The writers also neglect to mention that the average person incarcerated in
federal prison for trafficking in marijuana was convicted of possessing 3.5
tons; for heroin, it is 5.5 pounds, and for cocaine, it is 180 pounds,
according to the Department of Justice -- hardly amounts that identify
"ordinary people caught up in abuse and addiction."

Also according to Justice Department statistics, of all people in state
prisons, drug traffickers make up 13 percent, and first time, nonviolent
drug offenders only 1.4 percent.

The writers' cost figures on drug treatment also are misleading. Sure,
outpatient treatment is much cheaper than imprisonment, but hard-core
addicts, the ones who are our biggest problem, don't do well in outpatient
treatment. They need intensive long-term residential treatment at a cost
that often exceeds that of a prison cell.

Finally, Lewis's and Osborn's most glaring and dangerous omission is a fact
that treatment specialists will confirm: A large portion of those who seek
drug treatment do so only after a personal crisis. The crisis often is their
arrest.

Eliminating the threat of arrest and incarceration is counterproductive and
is likely to increase, not decrease, drug use. We need a balanced approach
to the drug problem -- one that recognizes the need for laws, treatment and
most of all, prevention. Your readers should remember that, has often been
said, "Wars are not won by treating the wounded."

- -- Terry Hensley The writer is executive director of Drug Free America
Foundation.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett