TREAT DRUG ADDICTION AS A PUBLIC HEALTH MATTER

Let me illustrate why Peter Bensinger is wrong on drug policy ["Make
fighting drug, alcohol abuse a priority," Oct. 31].

There are those who can function and be responsible members of society
and use drugs that are illegal. There are also those who abuse these
same drugs and are not functional. The problem is that the law does
not distinguish between the two.

America needs to remember that alcohol prohibition failed, and the war
on drugs is just another prohibition.

Establishing regulated and controlled policies for illegal drugs is
much more sensible than continuing to outlaw these potentially
dangerous substances. Treating addiction as a public health matter and
not one for the criminal justice systems is beneficial for addicts and
their families, plus it has proved to be more cost-effective than
incarceration.

Dan Linn

West Town