LIMBAUGH HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF TREATMENT

Messenger-Inquirer Rush Limbaugh's critics have been quick to label him a
hypocrite in light of his confession that he's addicted to pain killers.

After all, this is the same guy who spoke often about the need for tough
drug laws and once said that those who violate these laws should be "sent
up" to prison.

Talk radio is a breeding ground, in general, for hypocrisy. But in this
case, the likely reality is that Limbaugh, like so many other Americans, was
simply ignorant to the devastating effects of substance abuse when he made
those statements.

Substance abuse, like so many other issues, has become overly politicized --
and Limbaugh has been a big part of the problem.

He, and others, have grossly oversimplified the issue by pitting liberals
versus conservatives. The position of Limbaugh and his followers is that
conservatives are tough on crime, so they must support incarceration over
treatment when dealing with drug abusers. To not support this position is
just further evidence of the moral decaying of our society, the argument
goes.

If anything good is to come out of this situation, the hope is that it will
bring about increased debate about the importance of treatment for addicts
and, in many cases, the lack of available resources.

It's a debate that's been gaining traction locally in recent months. Judges,
elected officials and law enforcement officers, among others, are coming
forward to say locking up every single drug offender in this area will never
solve Daviess County's drug problem.

Without better treatment options, and more education as to what is
available, the cycle of drug abuse cannot be broken.

And someone like Limbaugh has the influence to make a tremendous difference
in this effort, not just in Daviess County, but throughout the country.

In admitting his addiction, Limbaugh said he shouldn't be considered a role
model. "I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here ... ,"
he said.

Here's hoping he rethinks that position, because, like it or not, he is a
role model. The size of his audience is well documented, and the loyalty of
that audience to his beliefs is equally legendary. And they'll be listening
closely to what he has to say after emerging from rehab.

Regardless of how one views Limbaugh's political views, those who know him
personally are virtually unanimous in saying he's a good person. At the very
least, he certainly doesn't fit the image of a hardcore criminal, as so many
addicted to drugs are portrayed.

There's a middle ground to be found here. But the same focus must be given
to treatment as has been given to enforcement in the so-called "War on
Drugs."

Limbaugh can help lead this movement, by depoliticizing the debate and
putting a human face on the problem. He can show that drug addiction doesn't
just strike the weak, lawless, immoral element of society. He can help
explain it's a problem that has no regard for a person's race, gender,
socioeconomic standing or political beliefs.

More than 6 million people in this country are in need of drug treatment,
but of those addicts, nearly 5 million didn't get the treatment they needed
last year.

Rush Limbaugh is one of the lucky ones -- he's getting help. The challenge
now is to make sure other addicts who want help are afforded the same
opportunity.