FIGHTING THE DRUG WAR

Substance abuse has been a problem in the state of Vermont for quite some
time. It is only recently that it has become a hot topic in our
conversations, newspapers, and politics.

The widespread use of heroin and cocaine have had a tremendous impact on
the way we view substance abuse.

In the past, alcohol was by far and away the most abused substance in
Vermont. It still is, however the criminal acts that heroin and cocaine
incur affect us all. Break-ins, thefts, and even weapons charges are
associated with hard-core drug abuse.

There are several things that we have begun to do to try to combat these
things.

However, we need more help.

The first bill introduced in the House this year is designed to coordinate
all the substance abuse treatments and money by creating a new department
called the Department of Substance Abuse and Recovery. The idea is to
eliminate the duplicative services and spending and create one place where
all substance abuse issues will be taken care of. The bill passed its first
test in the Health and Welfare Committee and is currently being reviewed in
Government Operations. The bill faces many uncertainties, most important of
which is funding.

Gov. Jim Douglas is in the process of a much needed reorganization of the
Agency of Human Services, and just where a new department would fit is hard
to say.

The governor's plan for substance abuse is called DETER (Drug Education
Treatment Enforcement Recovery), and it will pump an estimated $4.5 million
into the battle against substance abuse.

Recently, Governor Douglas announced his intention to open a treatment
facility in the state that will alleviate the need to send addicts to
out-of-state facilities such as Conifer Park in New York. If treatment is
done in-state, we can control costs, ensure access, and keep our tax
dollars here. Our law enforcement people are doing a good job getting the
big-time dealers off the streets, but the local people are the ones that
would benefit from having a treatment center nearby.

Crucial to their recovery is a strong support network which we currently
don't have.

Governor Douglas has stated his intention to visit one of our citywide RUN
(Rutland United Neighborhoods) meetings very soon. He'll be explaining his
DETER proposal as well as looking for some guidance on how to proceed with
the issue of substance abuse prevention. Please watch for date and time of
this very important event.

Your input and help will be crucial.