CURRENT POLICIES LIMIT TREATMENT FOR DRUGS

Your Jan. 22 editorial correctly noted that the vast majority of people in
both your state and mine are not getting adequate access to appropriate
drug treatment. The reasons are twofold.

First is that current policy brands anyone caught with an illegal substance
as a "drug abuser". This is as flawed logically as arresting all alcohol
users and defining them as alcoholics. When a well-intentioned system of
substance abuse treatment is clogged by court-ordered casual users, those
with legitimate abuse issues are left waiting. And while they wait, the
symptoms of their addictions multiply and subsequent damage to them and to
society is increased.

The second reason more people in need are not getting drug treatment help
is the related laws which demand that casual users and sellers of illicit
drugs -- most notably marijuana -- be thrust into the criminal justice
system. This uselessly ties up millions of tax dollars in a supposed
attempt to reduce the use of certain drugs. In fact, we've learned from
over 35 years of aggressive drug war policies that such an approach will
never significantly reduce use. All it reduces is the available resources
needed to deal with those truly in need.

The most obvious solution is to end drug prohibition and legalize drugs for
adults who use them responsibly, just as we do with the risky drug alcohol.
Those who exploit this freedom and allow access to minors or drive
automobiles while impaired should feel the full weight of the law against
them. Those who are otherwise law-abiding, productive, tax-paying citizens
should be left alone.

Stephen Heath

Clearwater, Fla..