DRUG WAR ONLY TURNS DRUG USERS INTO EX-CONS WHO CAN'T GET JOBS

Anna Sappah is to be commended for making the case for substance
abuse treatment ("I know from experience: Drug treatment does work,"
Dec. 2). A study conducted by the Rand Corp. found that every
additional dollar invested in substance abuse treatment saves
taxpayers $7.48 in societal costs. There is far more at stake than
tax dollars. The drug war is not the promoter of family values that
some would have us believe.

Children of inmates are at risk of educational failure, joblessness,
addiction and delinquency. Not only do the children lose out, but
society as a whole does too. Incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders
alongside hardened criminals is the equivalent of providing them with
a taxpayer-funded education in antisocial behavior.

Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste of
tax dollars. It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and
begin treating all substance abuse, legal or otherwise, as the public
health problem it is. Destroying the futures and families of citizens
who make unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.