FUNDING NEEDED FOR TREATMENT PROGRAMS

I would like to applaud the "As I See It" column by Patrick A. Fox, first
justice of the District Court in Gardner, titled, "Emphasis on drug
treatment would ease crime problem" (Telegram & Gazette, May 2).

Retired Judge Milton H. Raphaelson was a pioneer in addressing substance
abuse problems through the judicial system in the 1980s and 1990s, for
which he received a great deal of pressure from law enforcement and court
officials because of his belief in the need to treat substance abuse within
the criminal system.

As Judge Fox suggests, as Judge Raphaelson did before him, it doesn't make
any sense for the criminal system to be increasing funding for
incarceration, while at the same time there is such a woeful inadequacy in
the funding for substance abuse treatment programs. Unfortunately, the
"system" continues to be in denial. Certainly, political correctness in our
society continues to frame this problem in terms of criminal activities,
instead of addiction and substance abuse problems.

In summary, what continues to be needed is a massive education program and
a substantial increase in funding for good, solid treatment programs.

Ralph W. Anderson Jr.

Shrewsbury